Bill > A08623

This bill requires each state-operated health care facility that requires two or more nurses to be present at any time to establish a clinical staffing committee responsible for developing and overseeing an annual clinical staffing plan. The committee must be composed of at least 50% frontline healthcare workers (like registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and ancillary staff) and up to 50% administrative personnel. The staffing plan must consider multiple factors including patient census, patient acuity, skill mix, staff experience, unit characteristics, patient safety, and other relevant indicators. The committee will develop the plan by consensus, with management and employee members each having one vote. If no consensus is reached, the facility's chief executive officer can make final decisions. The bill mandates that the staffing plan be submitted to the state department annually, posted publicly in patient care units, and implemented starting January 2023. Facilities must also track and report nursing quality indicators, and the state will establish an independent advisory commission to evaluate the effectiveness of these clinical staffing committees. The bill aims to improve patient safety, reduce medical errors, and support better working conditions for healthcare workers by ensuring appropriate staffing levels across state-operated health care facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8623