Use the guides below to reach relevant agencies. For most incidents, your first step will be to complete an Assignment Objection Form (ADO form).
Questions? Contact a Steward or Union Rep/Organizer
Should you refuse an unsafe assignment?
Examples of what to report
(focus on effects on patients):
- Out of Nurse-to-patient ratio (see Title 22 Ratios)
- Out of the normal acuities
- Delays in patient care
- Unsafe patient assignment
- Charge RN in ratio (unit now doesn’t have a Charge RN for backup or if there is a crisis)
- Double patient load to cover for meal breaks (“Buddy System”)
- Absence of Title 22 compliant Patient Classification System Committee, leading to outdated/inaccurate acuity measurement system
Examples of what to report
- Personal protective equipment
- Proper lift equipment
- Accessibility to equipment & patient (18′ around beds, etc.)
- Tripping hazards
- Broken equipmen
- Workplace violence
- Sanitation issues
- Condition of buildings
Step 1: Submit a Complaint Form
Note: Some incidents may warrant reporting to all three agencies.
Step 2: Follow-up
Call (213) 576-7451
Examples of what to report
- Manager puts a Nurse’s license at risk by demanding they go out of ratio
- Manager asks a Nurse to do something that’s out of their scope based on their license
- Manager assigns a Nurse to a patient for whom s/he does not have certified competencies
Most reports of negligence will be from the perspective of the Nursing Practice Act’s mandate to follow the law at all times.
