RI S2120

Creates a 15-member special legislative commission to study safe staffing ratios in hospitals, including 6 legislators, 2 hospital staff representatives, 2 hospital administrators, 2 labor organization representatives, a patient advocacy representative, the RI Department of Health Director, and the Attorney General.

Commission will examine staffing impacts on patient outcomes and safety, workforce recruitment and retention, financial implications for hospitals, and best practices from other states.

Commission will evaluate Rhode Island hospitals' implementation of the Joint Commission's 2026 National Performance Goal on nurse staffing and determine if additional state-level oversight is needed.

Quarterly progress reports required beginning March 31, 2026, with a final report due to the General Assembly by March 31, 2027.

Commission members receive no compensation or expense reimbursement; commission expires June 30, 2027.