Nurses on NY's front lines call for minimum staffing ratios
ALBANY — Nurses on the front lines of New York’s COVID-19 pandemic are calling for the state to enact minimum staffing standards ahead of another wave of infections.
Health care industry leaders, though, warn that passing such a law would saddle facilities with billions of dollars in extra costs they can’t afford.
Under legislation now before a legislative committee, the state would for the first time set minimum nurse-to-patient ratios, including a standard of one nurse for every two patients in intensive care units.
California now has such a law. Other states don’t. Supporters say the legislation would boost the quality of care, reduce staff burnout and let the state hold health care facilities accountable for inadequate staffing.
Read more: https://www.uticaod.com/news/20200829/nurses-on-nyrsquos-front-lines-call-for-minimum-staffing-ratios
(Utica Observer-Dispatch)