CT SB00968

Repeals and replaces Section 19a-89e of the general statutes, effective July 1, 2013, to require hospitals to report annually on nurse staffing levels to the Department of Public Health.

Requires each hospital to submit a prospective nurse staffing plan with written certification that staffing is sufficient to provide adequate patient care and promote collaborative practice.

Mandates establishment of a hospital staffing committee with at least 50% registered nurses employed for direct patient care to develop and implement the nurse staffing plan.

Requires nurse staffing plans to include minimum professional skill mix by unit, employment practices for temporary/traveling nurses, administrative staffing levels, internal review processes, and mechanisms for obtaining input from direct care staff.

Obligates hospitals to report actual daily nurse staffing levels within 10 days after the beginning of each calendar quarter, including ratios of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurse's aides to patients, and the method used to determine staffing levels.