Illinois Hospital Association

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August 24, 2007

Governor Signs SB867 into Law - Nurse Staffing by Patient Acuity

Governor Blagojevich today signed SB867 into law. The legislation was strongly supported by IHA to address hospital staffing based on patient acuity. The bill had been approved by the House on a vote of 116-0 and the Senate 55-0. To see the new law, PA 095-0401, click here. To see IHA's summary of the bill, click here. To see IHA's background materials and information about nurse staffing laws, click here. IHA thanks all the hospitals and supporters who worked so hard to make this legislation a reality.

PA095-0401, Nurse Staffing by Patient Acuity, addresses hospitals' staffing plans based on each hospital's patient acuity model, with recommendations from a nursing care committee, comprised of 50% direct care nurses. The new law reflects the policy position adopted by the IHA Board earlier this year, and is part of the hospital community's ongoing commitment and efforts to provide an excellent workplace environment and to provide rewarding career opportunities for nurses.

IHA has worked with the General Assembly and other advocates in effect making Illinois a leader among states regarding the enactment of groundbreaking legislation impacting the quality of health care and the working environment for nurses and other health care professionals. To see a summary of those efforts and groundbreaking legislation, click here.

Why we support SB867/PA095-0401:

  • SB867/PA095-0401 addresses staff planning using a hospital's acuity model, based on recommendations from a nursing care committee comprised of 50% direct care nurses.
  • It assures direct care staff a significant voice in nurse staffing process;
  • It aligns staffing considerations based on patient needs and nursing resources;
  • It reinforces evidence-based approach to nurse-patient staffing;
  • It accounts for wide range and mix of hospitals and their nursing staffs;
  • It complements current hospitals’ staffing policies and practices;
  • It demonstrates hospital’s commitment to their direct nurse staff.