Legislation would change working conditions for nurses

(Harrisburg) — Lawmakers in the state Senate are seeking to change the working conditions of Pennsylvania’s nurses.

The sometimes grueling shifts medical professionals endure has become a topic of legislation put forward by Democratic Senators Wayne Fontana and Daylin Leach.

The legislation requires hospitals to compile and maintain daily reports in each patient care unit, including staffing levels.

The bill also would set patient ratios, and call for staff reports to be posted publicly in patient care areas. This, Senator Fontana says, will lead to greater transparency.

“Transparency would help the industry police itself because it would expose hospital administrators who regularly ignore shortages and appropriate nursing ratios,” Fontana said.

The Department of Health would also be required to compile and publish quarterly reports on staffing levels for each hospital in the state.