FL H0289

Creates section 381.029, Florida Statutes, requiring all hospitals licensed under chapter 395 to establish an evidence-based policy on safe patient lifting and handling that minimizes injury risks to patients and employees.

Policy must be developed by a committee composed of both management and nonmanagement employees, including registered nurses providing direct patient care, either newly created or existing.

Committee must use data to evaluate injury risks and determine appropriate lifting strategies tailored to the hospital's patient population and specific risk factors.

Committee shall consider at minimum: mechanical lifting devices or engineering controls, team lifting approaches, employee training in safe practices, and incorporating mechanical lifting device space and design in construction or renovation plans.

Effective date is July 1, 2014; requires the committee to develop an ongoing evaluation process to assess policy effectiveness.