Res 1774-2017

By Council Member Cabrera Whereas, In order to maintain low operating costs hospitals will reduce the number of nurses, because they comprise the largest clinical subgroup in hospitals; and Whereas, According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the inadequacy of nursing staff levels has led to poor patient outcomes; and Whereas, Studies indicate that higher nursing workloads are associated with increased medication errors, increased rates of infection and even increased mortality rates; and Whereas, A report published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, indicates that better registered nurse (RN) staffing policies, such as reducing the number of patients assigned to individual nurses, results in better patient outcomes and lower costs to health care providers; and Whereas, According to a report published by Health Services Research in 2012, nursing homes which have safe staff ratios have better quality facilities and improved functional status of the residents; and Whereas, In 2004 California passed the Minimum Nurse Staffing Legislation, which required hospitals to institute nurse to patient ratios; and Whereas, Studies have shown that nurses in California have reported a better quality of life and improved patient care as a result of the law; and Whereas, In 2017, New York State Senator Kemp Hannon introduced S. 3330 and New York State Assembly Member Aileen Gunther introduced A.1532, which are collectively known as the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act; and Whereas, The Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act would require all acute care facilities in New York State to adopt specific nurse-to-patient ratios, set minimum staffing requirements and submit a staffing plan to the State Department of Health; and Whereas, The Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act also includes such important provisions as allowing RNs to refuse work assignments if adequate staffing is not present, which safeguard the rights of nurses and patients alike; and Whereas, Ensuring adequate nursing coverage for all patients is an important public health goal that will improve the quality of care in acute care facilities and nursing homes; now, therefore, be it Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign, A.1532/S.3330, collectively known as the "Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act," to ensure that acute care facilities and nursing homes meet the appropriate staffing ratios for nurses and unlicensed direct care staff. ER Res. No. 869/2007 LS 8740 12/11/17