House Bill 1924 Summary

• Beginning January 1, 2011, all licensed hospitals must daily compile and post staffing information in patient care areas, including the number and ratio of registered professional nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurse aides providing direct patient care for each shift.

• Hospitals must also post information about the methods used to determine and adjust direct patient care staffing levels, with posting requirements determined by department of health and senior services rules.

• Hospitals must report compiled staffing information to the department of health and senior services monthly on a prescribed form, and the department must make this information available to the public quarterly with written explanatory materials.

• Hospitals that fail to comply with posting and reporting requirements are subject to licensure sanctions.

• The department of health and senior services is authorized to promulgate rules to implement the staffing transparency requirements under existing patient care and nursing practice standards.