Payrolling services might begin to see an increase in the number of nurses on staff in seven states and the District of Columbia.
According to Kaiser Health News (KHN), many state governments are looking to pass legislation requiring hospitals to meet specific nurse-to-patient ratios due to rising workloads. Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Texas and D.C. have introduced minimum staffing bills to increase productivity levels and boost patient care.
The news source reports concerns about patient safety and overwork among nursing staff was raised after 2004 research covering hospitals by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The survey found low nurse-to-patient ratios decreased quality of care, but those who oppose the minimum staffing laws cite contrasting studies.
California currently is the only state with the legislation, and many nurses have found the law to be an advantage for the healthcare system in the state.
As more states begin to look into nurse personnel requirements, staffing agencies and HR administrations within the healthcare industry might see an increase in hiring for hospitals.
