HB 1412 Summary

• Establishes minimum direct care nursing staff ratios for health facilities: at least 1 staff member per 6 residents during day shift (7 a.m. - 7 p.m.) and 1 per 9 residents during evening shift (7:01 p.m. - 6:59 a.m.).

• Requires at least 1 registered nurse for every 40 residents who must be licensed, providing direct care, not serving as director of nursing, and physically present at the facility during each shift.

• Permits waivers of staffing requirements during declared disaster emergencies or natural disasters, and allows the state department of health to waive requirements if facilities demonstrate diligent recruitment efforts and no health/safety risk exists.

• Mandates notification to the state long term care ombudsman and residents when a waiver is granted, and requires facilities with waivers to have a registered nurse or physician available by phone to respond immediately.

• Authorizes the state department of health to enforce staffing ratios through inspections and cite facilities with deficiencies for non-compliance, with an effective date of July 1, 2011.