AZ SB1398

Department of Health Services must adopt rules by January 1, 2015 establishing minimum licensed nurse-to-patient ratios by nurse classification and hospital unit type for hospitals regulated under Arizona Revised Statutes title 36, chapter 4.

Rules must establish minimum numbers of registered and licensed nurses and require additional staff based on a documented patient classification system considering illness severity, equipment needs, clinical judgment complexity, and patient self-care ability.

Rules must require hospitals to adopt written policies for nursing staff training and orientation, prohibit assigning registered nurses to units without adequate orientation and demonstrated competence, and require orientation for all temporary personnel.

Rules must provide flexibility for rural general acute care hospitals, distinguish between core staff and critical care nurses in emergency departments, and augment existing ratios for intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units, and operating rooms.

Department shall coordinate with Arizona State Board of Nursing on staffing ratios and review rules five years after adoption, reporting any proposed changes to the governor and legislature.