What does MINIMUM DIRECT CARE REGISTERED NURSE STAFFING REQUIREMENT. of Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025 do?

This section amends the Public Health Service Act to add Title XXXIV, establishing minimum direct care registered nurse staffing requirements for hospitals. Hospitals are required to implement a staffing plan that provides adequate, appropriate, and quality healthcare services and protects patient safety. The implementation of staffing plan requirements will occur no later than one year after the enactment of this title, as determined by the Secretary. Minimum direct care registered nurse-to-patient ratios are established for various hospital units, such as trauma emergency units (1:1), critical care units (2:1), and medical-surgical units (4:1). The Secretary may apply these ratios to similar hospital units not specifically listed. Patient assignments must be within a registered nurse's competence, and hospitals must verify current competence and orientation for nurses assigned to specific units. Hospitals are prohibited from averaging patient and nurse numbers or imposing mandatory overtime to meet staffing ratios. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment, recommending ways to ensure sufficient nurse availability. The Health Resources and Services Administration must submit reports to Congress regarding the relationship between nurse staffing levels and nurse retention.

What does ENFORCEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS THROUGH FEDERAL PROGRAMS. of Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025 do?

This section amends several federal programs to require hospitals within those programs to comply with the provisions of title XXXIV of the Public Health Service Act. The Medicare program, Medicaid program, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Benefits Program, Department of Defense Health Benefits Program, and Indian Health Services Program are all subject to these new requirements. Specifically, hospitals receiving payments under these programs must adhere to the staffing requirements outlined in title XXXIV of the Public Health Service Act. The Federal Labor-Management Relations section clarifies that enforcement of title XXXIV can occur through negotiated grievance procedures. Amendments are made to titles 38, 10, and 25 of the United States Code, as well as sections of the Social Security Act.

What does NURSE WORKFORCE INITIATIVE. of Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025 do?

This section amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a Scholarship and Stipend Program. The program's heading is updated to include 'and Stipend' after 'Scholarship'. The act amends section 831(c)(1) to change 'Grants for career ladder programs' to 'Grants for nurse retention'. New provisions are added to support nurses entering the workforce through nursing preceptorship projects. The act also supports mentorship projects to assist new nurses in adapting to hospital settings.

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Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025

Q: What does Preamble of Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025 do?

This bill proposes to amend the Public Health Service Act. The stated purpose is to establish direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratio requirements in hospitals. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 14, 2025.

Last updated: 5/14/2025 · Introduced: 5/14/2025

Author: Janice Schakowsky (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals, requiring a trauma emergency unit ratio of 1:1, critical care units at 2:1, and medical-surgical units at 4:1, among others.
Hospitals participating in federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid must comply with these staffing requirements, and the bill prohibits hospitals from using practices like averaging or mandatory overtime to meet ratios.
The bill creates a Scholarship and Stipend Program and supports nurse retention and workforce development through preceptorships and mentorship projects.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, minimum direct care registered nurse staffing requirement., and 2 more.

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