NV SB182

Hospitals with 70+ beds in counties with 100,000+ population (Clark and Washoe Counties) must establish technical staffing committees and service staffing committees in addition to existing nursing staffing committees, with all three collaborating on documented staffing plans.

Mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios are established: 1:1 in operating rooms, ICUs, and critical care; 1:3 in emergency units for non-critical patients; 1:4 in medical-surgical, psychiatric, and oncology units; and 1:6 in well-baby nurseries.

Certified nursing assistant ratios are set at 1:7 patients during daytime hours (6 a.m.-8 p.m.) and 1:11 patients during nighttime hours (8:01 p.m.-5:59 a.m.) in any unit.

Hospitals may deviate from staffing ratios during declared states of emergency for up to 90 days, with nursing staffing committee approval required for longer deviations, and must develop contingency staffing plans.

The Division of Public and Behavioral Health and Labor Commissioner gain enforcement authority, including random inspections, a confidential reporting system for staff, administrative penalties up to $5,000 per day per violation, and retaliation protections for employees who report violations.