HB 588 -- Patient Safety

Sponsor:  Schaaf

This bill requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to
implement an acuity-based patient classification system.  Minimum
direct-care registered nurse-to-patient ratios are specified for
various units within a hospital or ambulatory surgical center.
As a condition of licensing, each hospital or ambulatory surgical
center must annually submit to the Department of Health and
Senior Services a prospective staffing plan which is sufficient
to meet the specified ratios.

Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers can be fined $25,000
for failing to follow a daily written nurse staffing plan.  The
fines collected will be deposited into the Health Initiatives
Fund.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:19 am