Press Release: Controversial Nurse-to-Patient Ratio Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature
Las Vegas, NV – A heated debate surrounds Senate Bill 182, aimed at establishing mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios and improving transparency regarding worker protections. Sponsored by Sen. Rochelle Nguyen, D-Las Vegas, the bill passed the assembly on June 2 and is pending Governor Joe Lombardo’s approval.
The legislation seeks to combat nurse burnout and enhance patient safety by limiting the number of patients assigned to nurses in various hospital units. It also includes provisions for additional compensation and mandates record-keeping of nurses’ refusals and requests for relief.
Nurses are championing the bill, citing dire circumstances stemming from Nevada’s severe nursing shortage, with over 14,000 positions unfilled. Supporters argue that current ratios compromise care quality, exemplified by one nurse’s testimony of a certified nursing assistant managing 36 patients. “This is a day that will change nursing in Nevada for the better, forever,” stated Karen Pels-Jimenez from National Nurses United.
In contrast, hospitals are cautioning that the bill could disrupt care delivery. Patrick Kelly, President of the Nevada Hospital Association, criticized the legislation as “impossible” to implement in the face of existing shortages, warning it may lead to service reductions and reliance on travel nurses.
Dignity Health’s Katherine Vergos asserted that mandated ratios overlook the essential staffing issues and could hinder their established collaborative model with unions.
The bill specifically targets hospitals in populous counties and requires specific nurse-to-patient ratios, including one nurse per patient in critical care settings and a maximum of one nurse for every four patients in medical-surgical units.
As the bill awaits the governor’s decision, the potential impacts on Nevada’s healthcare landscape remain a focal point of discussion.
For further inquiries, contact Emerson Drewes at edrewes@reviewjournal.com.
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Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
