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Bill > HB4074

OR HB4074

OR HB4074
Relating to hospital staffing.

summary

Introduced
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2026 Legislative Measures

Bill Summary

The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: Makes changes to the laws regarding hospital nurse staffing plans. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3). Directs a hospital to implement a hospital-wide nurse staffing plan that has been developed and adopted by the hospital nurse staffing committee or, if the committee has not adopted a plan, a hospital-wide nurse staffing plan that meets the statutory requirements. Directs that the statutory direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratios constitute the nurse staffing plan for a unit if the hospital nurse staffing committee has not adopted a nurse staffing plan for the unit. Changes from four to five the number of patients that a direct care registered nurse may be assigned for a medical-surgical unit under the statutory staffing ratios. Allows a type C hospital to vary from the statutory direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratios. Modifies the definition of type C hospital. Requires a unit manager to notify the cochairs of the hospital nurse staffing committee after each deviation from a nurse staffing plan. Directs the Oregon Health Authority to determine whether a complaint is valid or not within 30 days after receiving the complaint. Requires the authority to accept an attestation from a hos- pital as sufficient documentation the hospital took certain actions. Establishes a maximum amount in civil penalties that may be imposed for violations of the hospital staffing requirements. Directs that all civil penalties collected shall be paid into the Hos- pital Quality Assurance Fund. Requires the authority to submit an annual report on the number and types of violations to the committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to health care. Prohibits the impositions of civil penalties for violations that occur before July 1, 2030.

AI Summary

This bill modifies existing laws concerning hospital nurse staffing plans, aiming to improve patient care and nurse working conditions. Key provisions include directing hospitals to implement a hospital-wide nurse staffing plan developed by a hospital nurse staffing committee, or one that meets statutory requirements if the committee hasn't adopted a plan. For specific units where no committee plan exists, the statutory direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratios will serve as the plan. The bill increases the maximum number of patients a direct care registered nurse can be assigned in a medical-surgical unit from four to five. It also allows Type C hospitals, which are rural hospitals with more than 50 beds, to vary from these staffing ratios. Unit managers are now required to inform the cochairs of the nurse staffing committee after any deviation from a staffing plan. The Oregon Health Authority will have 30 days to determine the validity of complaints and can accept a hospital's attestation as proof of certain actions taken. The bill also establishes a maximum limit on civil penalties for staffing violations, with all collected penalties going into the Hospital Quality Assurance Fund, and mandates an annual report to the Legislative Assembly on violations. Importantly, civil penalties will not be imposed for violations occurring before July 1, 2030.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

House Health Care Work Session (15:00:00 2/12/2026 HR 60) (on 02/12/2026)

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