REPORT: December 2006

Preview of 2007 Legislative Year

by Nancy Webber

When the New York State Legislature returns to session in January, there will be plenty of healthcare issues to consider. NYSNA’s legislative priorities will focus on the key issues of safe patient care, healthy workplaces, and support for the nursing profession.

Staffing Ratios in Acute Care Facilities

NYSNA and other unions that represent registered nurses will urge lawmakers to enact the “Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act” to require acute care facilities to implement nurse-to-patient ratios related to direct care in all nursing units. The bill also sets minimum staffing requirements and requires every facility to submit an annual staffing plan to the state Department of Health, which will be accessible to the public. Nurses would be authorized to refuse work assignments if the assignment exceeded their abilities or if minimum staffing was not present.

Ban on Mandatory Overtime

A bill to ban mandatory overtime for RNs and LPNs has been before the legislature for several years. Last year, the measure passed the State Assembly. Supported by other nurses’ unions, the bill drafted by NYSNA would prohibit employers from forcing nurses to work overtime except in emergencies.

Advancement of the Nursing Profession

First introduced in 2005, this legislation would require RNs to earn bachelor’s degrees within ten years of their initial licensure. The measure would ensure entry into the profession for RNs with associate or diploma degrees and would promote the ongoing learning needed for advancement in the profession. RNs licensed at the time the bill becomes law would be exempt from its provisions.

Preventing Workplace Violence

A new bill currently being drafted by NYSNA would make it a Class C felony to assault RNs or LPNs who are on duty. The penalty would be similar to that imposed when an individual is convicted of assaulting a police officer, a firefighter, or an EMT. Nurses have identified workplace violence as a common occurrence in their everyday lives. It is hoped this measure would be a deterrent to would-be attackers.

NYSNA also is planning to lobby legislators about the state budget. The executive budget usually is proposed by the Governor in January for the fiscal year beginning April 1. Of particular interest to registered nurses:

• Any proposed cuts to healthcare funding
• Support for nursing education through scholarship programs

For the most up-to-date information on these and other legislative priorities, see the “Legislative Advocacy” pages at www.nysna.org. That’s also where NYSNA members can register for the Legislative Action Center and get tools that make it quick and easy to contact their legislators.