Great news—we just got another huge step closer to putting some teeth into our nurse-to-patient ratio laws in California.
The full Senate just passed our "Stop Repeat Offender Hospitals" bill, SB 227. (Click here to see how legislators voted.)
And YOU did this!
- Many of you sounded the alarm on unsafe staffing levels at your hospitals.
- SEIU Local 121RN Nurses worked with Senator Connie M. Leyva to introduce this bill.
- Then we called, emailed, testified in hearings and lobbied to make sure our state senators understood why this bill is so important.
What happens next?
Our bill now goes to the Assembly side of our state legislature. If you haven't already, please join us as we fight the fairytale and use every opportunity to speak out at each important step of the bill's journey.
What this bill will do...
Our important "Stop Repeat Offender Hospitals" bill will finally put some teeth into California's nurse-to-patient ratio regulations. California has groundbreaking rules on minimum staffing levels, safe floating, accurate acuity measurement systems, proper coverage during meals and breaks—but too many hospitals ignore them. SB 227 will bring unannounced inspections solely focused on staffing and establish escalating fines on hospitals who continue to violate Title 22 regulations.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to add your voice!
In unity,
Gayle Batiste, RN, CNOR President, SEIU Local 121RN
P.S. ICYMI, here's more on what our bosses have been saying:
I wasn't surprised at the opposition's comments, but they hit me hard all the same. They painted a false picture last year, too. Our bill's next challenge is the Senate Appropriations Committee, where our employers will once again try to blame us.
Are you ready to fight their fairytale?