OH HB285

Requires all hospitals to develop and implement nurse staffing plans that protect patient safety, with plans subject to director of health approval and annual review.

Establishes mandatory direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratios varying by unit type, ranging from 1:1 in trauma/operating rooms to 6:1 in postpartum care units, with implementation timelines of 2-4 years depending on hospital location.

Creates the Nursing Student Loan-to-Grant Program administered by the chancellor of higher education, providing up to $12,000 total in awards (maximum $3,000 per year for four years) that convert to grants upon completion of a five-year service obligation in hospitals, nursing homes, or as nursing faculty.

Establishes a nurse staffing committee at each hospital with at least 50% direct care registered nurse membership, tasked with recommending staffing plans and reviewing staffing-related matters.

Authorizes the director of health to audit hospitals for compliance, impose corrective action plans, and levy fines up to $25,000 for first offense and $50,000 for subsequent offenses on hospitals, with collected fines funding the nurse education assistance fund.