CA SB1288

Requires state periodic inspections of health facilities to include reviews of compliance with nurse-to-patient ratio and staff assignment regulations, and mandates these inspections not be announced in advance.

Establishes administrative penalties of $15,000 for first violations and $30,000 for subsequent violations of nurse-to-patient ratio regulations for health facilities licensed under specified sections.

Requires penalty revenues collected for nurse-to-patient ratio violations to be deposited into the State Department of Public Health Licensing and Certification Program Fund for enforcement of these regulations.

Provides exception to penalties when a registered nurse unexpectedly becomes sick or injured and the facility demonstrates prompt efforts to maintain required staffing levels.

Requires department consideration of special circumstances of small and rural hospitals when enforcing nurse-to-patient ratio penalty provisions.