FL S0750

Requires all hospitals licensed under Florida chapter 395 to establish an evidence-based policy for safe lifting and handling of patients by employees that minimizes injury risks to patients and staff

Policy must be developed by a committee with an appropriate mix of management and nonmanagement employees, including registered nurses engaged in direct patient care

Committee must evaluate injury risks using data and consider minimum strategies including mechanical lifting devices, team lifting approaches, employee training programs, and physical space design for lifting equipment

Committee shall develop an ongoing evaluation process to assess the effectiveness of the established policy

Effective date is July 1, 2015