HF 2019 (LSB 5706YH (3) 90)

HOUSE FILE 2019

BY  WESSEL-KROESCHELL

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  135B.36  Minimum registered nurse-to-patient ratios.
   1.  The department shall establish the following registered nurse-to-patient ratios based on the specific type of care:
   a.  For intensive and critical care, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to two patients.
   b.  For neonatal intensive care, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to two patients.
   c.  For the operating room, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to one patient.
   d.  For post-anesthesia recovery, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to two patients.
   e.  For labor and delivery, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to two patients.
   f.  For antepartum care, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to four patients.
   g.  For postpartum couplet care, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to four patients.
   h.  For postpartum women only care, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to six patients.
   i.  For pediatrics, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to four patients.
   j.  For the emergency department, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to four patients.
   k.  For intensive care unit patients in the emergency department, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to two patients.
   l.  For trauma patients in the emergency department, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to one patient.
   m.  For a step down unit, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to four patients.
   n.  For a step down unit beginning July 1, 2025, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to three patients.
   o.  For telemetry, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to five patients.
   p.  For telemetry beginning July 1, 2025, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to four patients.
   q.  For a medical/surgical unit, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to six patients.
   r.  For a medical/surgical unit, beginning July 1, 2025, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to five patients.
   s.  For other specialty care, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to five patients.
   t.  For other specialty care beginning July 1, 2025, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to four patients.
   u.  For psychiatric care, a registered nurse-to-patient ratio of one registered nurse to six patients.
   2.  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to administer this section.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill establishes specific registered nurse-to-patient ratios based upon the type of care provided in a hospital. The bill requires the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing to adopt administrative rules to administer the bill.