FL H0651

Creates the "Florida Hospital Patient Protection Act" establishing mandatory minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in health care facilities, ranging from 1:1 in trauma units and operating rooms to 1:6 in well-baby nurseries

Prohibits health care facilities from imposing mandatory overtime to meet staffing requirements, using acuity-adjustable units for patient care, or substituting video cameras/monitors for direct nurse observation

Requires facilities to develop written staffing plans using acuity-based patient classification systems, with annual evaluations and public posting of staffing levels in each unit on a shift-by-shift basis

Establishes whistleblower protections allowing nurses to refuse unsafe assignments without retaliation, and authorizes civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation against facilities ($20,000 against individuals)

Requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to establish a toll-free hotline for reporting violations and to approve uniform statewide acuity standards by July 1, 2021