The north-western American state of Oregon has passed a law that will mandate nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals across the state.
House Bill 2697 would create a minimum ratio of one nurse to four patients in most medical-surgical units. The ratio would be one nurse to three patients in cardiac telemetry units and one nurse to five patients in psychiatric units.
The bill was supported by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), which has long argued that safe patient care requires adequate staffing levels. It has been described as both a win for patients, who will have access to the care they need, as well as for nurses who will be able to work more safely and efficiently when caring for patients.
The bill was opposed by some hospitals, who argued that it would be too costly to implement. However, the Senate amended the bill to provide financial assistance to hospitals that have difficulty meeting the staffing requirements.
Nancy Barnard, President of ONA, described the passage of the bill as a “major victory for nurses and patients.”
“It will ensure that nurses have the time and resources they need to provide the highest quality care,” Barnard said.
The passage of HB 2697 makes Oregon the first state in the Pacific Northwest to mandate nurse-to-patient ratios. It is also the first state to mandate ratios for psychiatric units.
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk. Governor Kate Brown is expected to sign the bill into law. Once the bill is signed into law, it will take effect in June 2024.