FL H0077

Creates section 381.029 of Florida Statutes requiring all hospitals licensed under chapter 395 to establish an evidence-based policy for safe lifting and handling of patients by employees.

Policy must be developed by a committee with balanced representation of management and nonmanagement employees, including registered nurses engaged in direct patient care.

Committee must evaluate injury risks using data and determine appropriate lifting strategies based on hospital-specific patient populations and risk factors.

Committee shall consider at minimum: mechanical lifting devices and engineering controls, team-based lifting approaches, employee training in safe practices, and physical space design accommodating mechanical lifts in construction or renovation plans.

Effective date is July 1, 2016.