A bipartisan group of Ohio lawmakers introduced a bill last week into the Ohio House of Representatives to address critical staffing issues in Ohio’s nursing workforce.
The Safe Patient Care Act, introduced by State Representatives Haraz Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) and Elgin Rogers (D-Toledo), would ensure that patients in the state of Ohio receive the highest quality care and that nurses receive reasonable workplace protections.
The lawmakers said nurses are leaving the profession at high rights and that the state needs to do more to keep them around. According to a survey of state nurses conducted by the Ohio Nurses Association, nearly 40 percent of nurses reported their patient care units were “rarely” or “never” adequately staffed between May and June. The survey also details that nearly 60 percent of Ohio nurses who exit the profession do so because of their patient care load.
The legislation looks to create better conditions for both patients and nurses in Ohio’s hospitals by investing $20 million in a Loan-to-Grant program to incentivize nurses to enter the field, complete their education, and stay working in Ohio
Furthermore, it establishes legally enforceable minimum staffing standards in every Ohio hospital, creates reasonable exceptions to staffing minimums, adds direct care nurse representation on the existing staffing committees in Ohio hospitals, and starts a reporting system for complaints regarding inadequate staffing.
According to Ghanbari, this legislation is about safety and supporting Ohio’s workforce.
“The bill will create better conditions both for our patients which can translate to our friends, our family, our neighbors, and those we live with here in the great state of Ohio. It will also be a better opportunity that will translate into a better work environment for nurses in Ohio’s hospitals,” Ghanbari said.
Rogers said the bill ensures Ohio’s patients are treated well and with dignity and respect.
“By ensuring reasonable workloads and building our nursing workforce, we will give families the peace of mind that their loved ones are being well cared for and treated with dignity and respect,” Rogers said.
Ohio Nurses Association President Robert Weitzel said that the legislation is a momentous milestone for nurses and patients in Ohio.
“This act underscores our commitment to delivering excellence in patient care and acknowledges the unwavering dedication exhibited by our nurses each and every day. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to State Representative Gambari and State Representative Rogers and our co-sponsors for their partnership with the Ohio Nurses on this vital issue, ” Weitzel said.
The legislation also obtained support from the James Cancer Hospital at the Ohio State University.
The legislation has yet to receive a bill number and awaits committee assignment for review.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star, The Star News Network, The Arizona Sun Times, and The Tennessee Star. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
