HB 1169 Summary - Florida Hospital Patient Protection Act

• Establishes mandatory minimum direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for acute care hospitals, emergency facilities, and psychiatric facilities, with specific ratios varying by unit type (e.g., 1:1 in trauma/operating rooms, 1:2 in critical care, 1:4 in surgical units)

• Requires health care facilities to develop written staffing plans based on acuity-based patient classification systems and prohibits mandatory overtime, use of acuity-adjustable units, and video camera substitutes for direct patient observation

• Protects direct care registered nurses' rights to refuse unsafe assignments, act as patient advocates, and prohibits facility retaliation; provides nurses with private right of action for violations and allows recovery of damages, attorney fees, and lost wages

• Creates agency-administered toll-free hotline for reporting violations, requires facilities to post staffing information publicly, and authorizes civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation for facilities ($20,000 for individuals)

• Takes effect July 1, 2015 with exemption during declared states of emergency (excluding labor disputes)