OR SB1558

Increases the maximum nurse-to-patient ratio in medical-surgical units from 1:4 to 1:5 for direct care registered nurses

Allows Type C hospitals to vary from statutory nurse-to-patient staffing ratios with committee approval, joining Type A and Type B hospitals already permitted to do so

Requires unit managers to notify hospital nurse staffing committee cochairs within 10 days after each deviation from a nurse staffing plan

Establishes annual civil penalty caps at the lesser of $2,000 per licensed inpatient bed or $1 million, with all collected penalties distributed to local public health authorities

Prohibits civil penalties for staffing violations occurring before July 1, 2027, requiring only warnings and corrective action plans during this period