Nurses Demand Federal Action on Safe Staffing Ratios for Patient Safety

Federal Bill Proposes Mandatory Nurse-to-Patient Ratios

National Nurses United (NNU), representing over 225,000 registered nurses, is advocating for a new federal bill that mandates minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals across the United States. This legislation, introduced by Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Senators Alex Padilla and Jeff Merkley, aims to address chronic understaffing in healthcare facilities.

During National Nurses Week, hospital employers often express gratitude through gestures such as banners or token gifts. However, nurses nationwide are calling for meaningful change, emphasizing the need for safe staffing ratios over superficial appreciation. Contrary to claims of a nursing shortage, over a million licensed nurses are not practicing, largely due to unsafe working conditions.

International Nurses Day, observed on May 12th, presents an opportunity for Congress to support nurses by endorsing this legislation. "Nurses are constantly forced by our employers to care for too many patients than is safe," remarked Nancy Hagans, RN and NNU president. "Our patients deserve high-quality care, and nurses have always stood up to protect our patients. It’s time hospital managers are mandated to staff our units safely for our patients’ sake and to actually give nurses the resources and respect we deserve."

The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act seeks to enforce minimum RN-to-patient ratios consistently across hospital units. It also includes whistle-blower protections, enabling nurses to advocate for safe staffing without fear of retaliation.

Rep. Schakowsky stated, "I am proud to reintroduce the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act with Senators Padilla and Merkley that will establish registered nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals, provide whistle-blower protection for nurses who advocate on behalf of their patients, and invest in training and career development to retain hardworking nurses in the workforce." She added, "Study after study shows that safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios result in higher quality care for patients, lower health care costs, and a better workplace for nurses. It is past time that we act on the evidence, give nurses the support they deserve, and put patients over profits. Let’s get it done!"

Sen. Padilla highlighted the ongoing crisis, stating, "Every patient deserves access to quality care, but the registered nursing staffing crisis across the country is putting patients at risk and leading to preventable health complications, especially in communities of color." He noted California's successful implementation of mandatory staffing ratios as a model for national policy.

Sen. Merkley, co-chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus, emphasized the critical role of nurses, saying, "As we celebrate National Nurses Week, I am committed to fighting for safe staffing levels for both nurses and patients, to enhance the quality of patient care, reduce medical errors, and increase nurse retention. Nurses make the world so much better, one bedside at a time, and Congress must do all it can to tackle the challenges these lifesaving professionals face."

NNU has consistently surveyed its members, who report deteriorating staffing conditions and consider leaving the profession to protect patient safety and their licenses. The proposed federal legislation is inspired by California's landmark 1999 nurse staffing law, which has significantly improved patient outcomes and nurse retention since its implementation in 2004.

Research consistently shows that adequate nurse staffing leads to better patient outcomes, including reduced medical errors, shorter hospital stays, and fewer readmissions. Studies also indicate that hospitals serving communities of color often have lower nurse staffing levels, contributing to healthcare disparities. Establishing uniform staffing standards could improve care for all patients, particularly those from minority communities.

The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act is supported by organizations such as the American Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union Healthcare, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, and the Alliance for Retired Americans.

National Nurses United, with over 225,000 members, is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the U.S. It includes affiliates like the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

---
Read More USA Works News