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SD 1897

An Act establishing a commission on quality patient outcomes and nurse staffing

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr

Establishes a 15-member Commission on Nurse Staffing outside EOHHS control to study and set evidence-based hospital staffing standards, report annually on outcomes and policy.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 1897

Summary: Senate Docket No. 1897 — An Act establishing a commission on quality patient outcomes and nurse staffing

Overview

SD 1897 proposes to establish a Commission on Nurse Staffing in hospitals that are within, but not subject to the control of, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). The commission’s mission is to develop safe staffing standards for all hospital units and to guide policy on improving patient outcomes related to nurse staffing. The bill is identified as a proposed act and has progressed to House concurrence.

Purpose and Scope

  • Create a formal body to study and set evidence-based nurse staffing standards for hospital units.
  • Focus on hospitals not directly controlled by EOHHS, potentially covering independent acute care facilities and certain nonprofit or public hospitals outside EOHHS control.
  • Emphasize patient safety and quality care by aligning staffing levels with research on patient outcomes.

Commission Composition

The 15-member Commission on Nurse Staffing would include:
- Ex officio and legislative leadership positions: Secretary of Health and Human Services (chair), Attorney General, Executive Director of the Health Policy Commission, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health.
- Legislative appointments: one member each appointed by the Speaker of the House, the Senate President, the House Minority Leader, and the Senate Minority Leader.
- Eight representatives from specific organizations:
- American Nurses Association Massachusetts, Inc.
- Massachusetts Emergency Nurse Association
- Massachusetts Nurses Association
- Organization of Nurse Leaders
- Massachusetts Hospital Association
- Service Employees United International
- Massachusetts Health Council
- Health Law Advocates

Term length and selection: Members serve four-year terms, without compensation, and may be reappointed. Governor-appointed members may be removed for cause. Vacancies are filled for the remainder of the term. The commission may establish advisory committees.

Duties and Authorities

Key responsibilities include:
- Review evidence-based research on the relationship between nurse staffing and patient care quality outcomes.
- Review evidence-based research on optimal staffing levels for all hospital units.
- Examine staffing approaches used by other states (statutes or regulations) and identify enforcement barriers in other jurisdictions.
- Develop strategies to promote collaborative practice among registered nurses and other health care team members.
- Hold public hearings to solicit public input and expert advice.
- File an annual report to the Legislature on the state of hospital staffing and related statutory or regulatory recommendations.

Reporting and Timeline

  • Annual reporting obligation: The commission must file a report with the Joint Committee on Public Health by March 1 each year, detailing activities and recommendations.
  • Ongoing monitoring: The commission is tasked with monitoring the implementation of its recommendations and updating them to reflect current science and evidence-based practice.

Legislative Status and Process

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions indicate: Referred to the Committee on Public Health on February 27, 2025, and House concurred on the same date.
  • Related history: Similar matter previously filed as Senate No. 1467 in the 2023-2024 session.

Potential Impact

  • Establishes a formal, ongoing mechanism to study and set hospital staffing standards tied to patient outcomes.
  • Creates a diverse, high-level governance structure intended to foster cross-sector collaboration among nurses, hospital stakeholders, and policymakers.
  • Could influence staffing practices, hospital operations, and regulatory expectations for hospitals not under direct EOHHS control.
  • Annual reporting requirement provides visibility into staffing trends and policy recommendations, with iterative updates as new evidence emerges.

If you’d like, I can add a quick comparison to the prior Senate version (S.1467) or highlight potential fiscal/implementation considerations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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