SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Legislation to improve working conditions for nurses and quality of care for Minnesotans passed as part of a Health and Human Services Committee omnibus bill (SF 2995) on Tuesday. The Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act would address issues of short-staffing, safety, and retention identified in hospitals throughout the state. The legislation creates committees that would enable caregivers and managers to collaborate and establish appropriate staffing levels on a hospital-by-hospital, unit-by-unit basis.
Senator Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul), chief author of the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act in the Senate, issued the following statement:
“After nearly two decades of work, The Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act is moving in the Senate and the House. The result of dialogue and compromise, this legislation fulfills our promise of excellent patient care, adequate staffing, and safe working conditions. Retaining our skilled nurses and training the next generation will provide better staffing and better care for our loved ones. With critical progress, this is the year to finish the job, and we will.”
Tuesday’s vote re-refers the HHS omnibus bill to the Senate Finance Committee, its final stop before a floor vote of the full Senate.
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