AFTER 42 YEARS we finally have a chance to enforce safe staffing ratios—SB 1288 goes to Governor's desk

August 30, 2018

Hospitals continue to tell the Governor that:

"This isn't really an issue. Staffing problems hardly ever happen."

That means the Governor needs to hear from us now more than ever.

We need to ensure that Sacramento has a clear picture of what's REALLY going on in our hospitals.

August 29, 2018

Dear SEIU Local 121RN Members:

Yesterday, the California Assembly passed our "Stop Repeat Offender Hospitals" bill, SB 1288, with some amendments. Click »»» here to see how legislators voted.

Then today, the bill passed a "concurrence vote" back over on the Senate side.

Now it goes to Governor Brown's desk

Despite heavy hospital opposition...

...from our employers and the California Hospital Association, I'm proud to report that we may finally make some headway in enforcing California's nurse-to-patient ratio laws—first introduced in our ICUs 42 years ago! As amended, our bill mandates:

Unannounced inspections specifically looking at Title 22 staffing ratios
Fine structure for violating Title 22 staffing ratios (regardless of outcome)

We have a lot to be proud of. If the Governor signs it (let's make sure he does!), this will lay a great foundation to build on with even stronger laws in the coming years. We want to thank Senator Leyva and our co-authors for helping us get this to the Governor.

We won't stop until Title 22 nurse-to-patient ratio regulations are enforced as bare minimum safe staffing standards—not a ceiling…not a "recommendation"…not a "suggestion."

Why is this bill so important?

SB 1288 will put some real teeth into California's nurse-to-patient ratio laws by introducing an enforcement mechanism into these regulations. California has groundbreaking rules on minimum staffing levels, but too many hospitals ignore them—as Nurses like Kathy, Joyce, Alvin and Yolanda describe. SB 1288 will bring unannounced inspections and establish a progressive fine structure on hospitals that continue to violate Title 22 ratios.

Watch your email, our FB page and our website for updates!

Be sure to add your voice! Call the Governor Today!

In unity, Gayle Batiste, RN, CNOR President, SEIU Local 121RN

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