US SB739 | 2013-2014 | 113th Congress
Status
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: Introduced on April 16 2013 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2013-04-16 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Pending: Senate Health, Education, Labor, And Pensions Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]
Status: Introduced on April 16 2013 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2013-04-16 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Pending: Senate Health, Education, Labor, And Pensions Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]
Summary
National Nursing Shortage Reform and Patient Advocacy Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require hospitals to implement a staffing plan that includes a minimum direct care registered nurse-to-patient ratio by unit, adjustments above the minimum ratio under appropriate circumstances, and compliance with minimum licensed practical nurse staffing requirements. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a national acuity tool to establish nurse staffing requirements above minimum ratios. Directs the Secretary to adjust Medicare payments to hospitals (including hospitals operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] and long-term care hospitals) to cover additional costs incurred in providing services to Medicare beneficiaries that are attributable to compliance with such ratios. Gives a nurse the right to act as the patient's advocate, including by: (1) initiating action to improve health care or to change decisions or activities that are against the interests and wishes of the patient, and (2) giving the patient an opportunity to make an informed decision about health care before it is provided. Authorizes a nurse to refuse to accept an assignment if it would violate minimum ratios under this Act or if the nurse is not prepared by education, training, or experience to fulfill the assignment without compromising the safety of any patient or jeopardizing the nurse's license. Prohibits a hospital from: (1) taking specified actions against a nurse based on the nurse's refusal to accept an assignment for such a reason; or (2) discriminating against any patient, employee, or any other individual for good faith complaints or grievances relating to the care, services, or conditions of the hospital or of any affiliated or related facilities. Prohibits actions by hospitals to restrain such rights. Makes conforming amendments to titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act as well as to requirements for the VA health benefits program. Includes stipends in the nurse workforce loan repayment and scholarship program. Expands the nurse retention grant program to authorize programs to implement nurse preceptorship and mentorship projects.
Title
National Nursing Shortage Reform and Patient Advocacy Act
Sponsors
Sen. Barbara Boxer [D-CA] | Sen. Sherrod Brown [D-OH] |
History
Date | Chamber | Action |
---|---|---|
2013-04-16 | Senate | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. |
Same As/Similar To
HB1907 (Related) 2013-06-03 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Subjects
Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Civil actions and liability
Department of Health and Human Services
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health
Health care quality
Health facilities and institutions
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health technology, devices, supplies
Hospital care
Medicaid
Medical education
Medicare
Nursing
Student aid and college costs
Veterans' medical care
Civil actions and liability
Department of Health and Human Services
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health
Health care quality
Health facilities and institutions
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health technology, devices, supplies
Hospital care
Medicaid
Medical education
Medicare
Nursing
Student aid and college costs
Veterans' medical care
US Congress State Sources
Type | Source |
---|---|
Summary | https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/739/all-info |
Text | https://www.congress.gov/113/bills/s739/BILLS-113s739is.pdf |