Bill > A647

This bill establishes minimum registered professional nurse (RN) staffing standards for hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities, as well as certain facilities operated by the Department of Human Services (DHS), such as developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Health adopt regulations outlining specific direct care RN-to-patient ratios for various hospital units, such as medical/surgical units, critical care units, and emergency departments, ensuring these ratios do not decrease from existing levels. It also requires these facilities to implement an acuity and staffing system, approved by the commissioner, to potentially increase staffing beyond the minimums based on patient needs, staff qualifications, and operational factors, with provisions for forecasting and adjusting staff levels. The bill allows for waivers of minimum staffing requirements in cases of financial distress or unforeseen emergent circumstances, provided reasonable efforts are made to secure additional staff. Furthermore, it establishes a complaint process for violations and mandates the Commissioner of Human Services to review and revise staffing regulations for DHS facilities to ensure adequate staffing. The Commissioner of Health is required to adopt necessary regulations within 90 days of the bill's enactment, with a public hearing to be held within 30 days of their publication.