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Set Pa. nursing ratios

Evidence-based research indicates patients are safer and experience better outcomes when hospitals are adequately staffed.

The American Nurses Association states that optimal staffing is essential to provide optimal patient care, while the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) further states that inadequate nurse staffing and heavy workloads threaten care quality and patient safety.

As a practicing registered nurse with more than 13 years of hospital experience, I see the need for a bill that will institute minimum nurse-to-patient ratios for hospitals in our state. Nurse staffing levels have a profound effect on patient care. Adequate nurse staffing saves lives.

Without legislation to ensure adequate nurse staffing levels, patient safety and quality of care are at risk.

Pennsylvania House Bill 1426, if enacted, would amend the Health Care Facilities Act providing for hospital patient protection. It would establish nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for Pennsylvania hospitals and, I believe, save lives.

Please contact your local legislator in support of this important bill.

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