Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/1531149
32 » RNs in Motion LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY The U.S. health care system is failing our patients. Every day we see the impact of restriction and denial of health services. Chronic diseases go untreated, medications are too expensive, and ERs too full. When patients are admitted to our hospitals, we are often assigned too many to care for appropriately. We do not have to wait for others to solve this patient care crisis. RNs are uniquely qualified to frame the debate in our communities, professional medical soci- eties, legislatures, and even the White House. California CNA-represented RNs enjoy the highest credibility rating among legislators and the public of any other profes- sional group in the state and throughout the nation. CNA Precedent-Setting Legislation » A.B. 394, the first-in-the-nation state-mandated RN-to-patient staffing ratios, which also prohibits the assignment of unlicensed personnel to perform nursing functions in lieu of an RN. » S.B. 1299 establishes strongest standards in the country for employers to implement violence prevention plans, conduct trainings, and take other steps to ensure a safe work environment for health care workers. » A.B. 1007 requires the development and adoption of enforceable workplace health and safety protections from toxic surgical smoke in operating rooms and other surgical settings. » S.B. 1334 guarantees enforceable meal and rest breaks for public-sector health care workers. This law requires that employers properly staff every unit to account for the time needed to provide break relief. » A.B. 2537 requires all hospitals to maintain a three- month stockpile of personal protective equipment. » A.B. 1136 requires all California hospitals to have a safe patient handling policy, including trained lift teams. » A.B. 285 and S.B. 969 ban phone advice by unlicensed persons. » S.B. 97 ensures whistle-blower protection for health care providers who expose unsafe conditions. » California State Department of Health Services Title 22 regulations for safe floating practices, competency validation, and patient classification systems. » A.B. 1439 requires that caregivers disclose their credentials while providing patient care. Prohibits anyone other than an RN or LVN from using the term "nurse." » A.B. 702 provides scholarships and loans to RNs seeking a higher degree in nursing and committing to serve as RN educators for at least three years. » S.B. 654 prohibits discrimination based on medical conditions and/or genetic characteristics. The Nation California's Safe Staffing Ratios Law Paves the Way for National Bills NNU is now working to pass comprehensive, federal legislation establishing safe RN-to-patient staffing ratios and other bills to remedy unsafe staffing in acute-care facilities. They include provisions that: » Mandate minimum, specific, numerical ratios for each unit to apply at all times, including breaks. » Require a patient classification system; additional RNs added based on patient needs. » Ensure RNs the legal guarantee to serve as patient advocates. » Prohibit use of mandatory overtime. » Guarantee no layoffs of ancillary staff as a result of the ratios. » Regulate use of unlicensed staff. » Restrict unsafe floating of nursing staff. » Provide whistle-blower protections for caregivers who report unsafe practices. » Support RN workforce initiatives: › Education assistance programs for associate and baccalaureate degree applicants. › Preceptorship and mentorship programs. » Provide federal assistance for the purchase of safe patient handling equipment. » Strengthen emergency-preparedness capacity with mandatory paid leave for participation in disaster relief with employment, rights, and benefits. » Establish safe hospital care workplace standards — zero-lift policy, to replace current practices of unassisted manual lifting, repositioning, and transferring of patients with the use of patient transfer devices, lifting devices, and lift teams.