WHEREAS, Improving registered nurse staffing ratios can lead to reductions in and prevention of medical errors, which could reduce healthcare costs by as much as 30%, reduce turnover, and according to National Nurses United, save approximately $20 billion a year; and
WHEREAS, On January 1, 2004, California implemented legislation establishing minimum nurse-to-patient ratios for acute care, acute psychiatric care, and specialty hospitals in California; and
WHEREAS, A 2006 study surveying 22,336 registered nurses in California, Pennsylvania and New Jersey suggested that California's nurse-to-patient staffing law reduces patient mortality, allows nurses more time with patients, and increase the staff's ability to provide quality patient care; and
WHEREAS, Improving staffing ratios promotes a manageable workload which reduces the burnout rate of registered nurses, improves work environment, and reduces the likelihood of accidents, patient deaths, complications, and medical errors. One study found that each additional patient added to a nurse's workload increases mortality within 30 days of admission by 7%; and
WHEREAS, Many nurses claim that staffing is often inadequate, affording them less time to care for patients. According to a study conducted in Washington D.C., 60% of nurses say that changes in their workload led to poor outcomes for patients, and over 85% say that legislation for mandatory ratios is needed; and
WHEREAS, The success that California has realized in authorizing mandatory staffing ratios should act as a catalyst for legislators in other states, including Pennsylvania. Evidence shows that improving nurse staffing positively affects patient outcomes, as well as increases financial efficiency, and should be at the forefront of healthcare legislation; now therefore,
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council hereby urges the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 637 and House Bill 923 which establishes a minimum ratio of registered nurses to patients at Pennsylvania Hospitals.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Philadelphia Delegation of the Pennsylvania General Assembly as evidence of the grave concern of this legislative body.
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