WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 336

Health facilities: hospitals; record of direct care registered professional nurse-to-patient ratios for each unit for each shift; require hospitals to maintain. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 21525a.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony and 17 co-sponsors

Michigan hospitals must document and maintain records of registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratios per unit per shift to increase transparency and inform policy decisions.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY AFFAIRS
#healthfacilities:hospitals #healthfacilities:qualityassuranceassessments #healthfacilities:staffing
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 336

Legislative bill overview

SB 336 requires Michigan hospitals to maintain and record the ratio of registered professional nurses to patients for each unit during each shift. This data would be documented as part of hospital operations under the Michigan Public Health Code. The bill does not appear to set specific minimum ratio requirements, but rather mandates transparency through record-keeping and reporting of existing staffing levels.

Why is this important

Nurse staffing ratios directly affect patient safety, quality of care, and nurse working conditions. Public visibility of these ratios allows patients, families, and regulators to assess hospital adequacy, and creates a data foundation for potential future policy decisions. Currently, Michigan hospitals are not required to systematically track and report this information, making it difficult for stakeholders to evaluate staffing adequacy across facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Hospital operational costs: Hospitals may argue that implementing tracking systems and reporting mechanisms increases administrative burden and expenses
  • Whether ratios alone address quality: Critics may contend that recording ratios without mandating minimum standards doesn't guarantee patient safety improvements
  • Competitive sensitivity: Hospitals may resist public disclosure of staffing data, viewing it as competitively sensitive information that could affect reputation or recruitment
  • Implementation variation: Ambiguity about how "direct care" is defined could lead to inconsistent reporting across facilities

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

Sign in to ask a question.