Healthcare facilities in California have been required to adhere to mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios since 2004. These ratios vary depending upon the degree of patient care involved. More recently, Massachusetts passed a law requiring mandatory staffing minimums in the state’s ICU’s. Other states are considering jumping on the bandwagon. A California-like bill is currently pending in
nurses
Vermont Court Finds Patient Can Sue Hospital and an Employee for Breach of Confidentiality
In a landmark ruling, the Vermont Supreme Court recently held that a patient had standing to sue both the hospital at which she was a patient and the employee who attended to her, for negligent disclosure of her personal health information to a third-party. Neither the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) nor Vermont…
Illinois Hospitals to Face Requirements Designed to Reduce Violence Against Nurses
The Illinois Health Care Violence Prevention Act mandates hospitals and other healthcare providers to comply with requirements aimed at protecting their workers from violence. Beginning January 1, 2019, healthcare providers in Illinois will need to implement specific violence-prevention policies outlined in the Act (Public Act 100-1051). Our Workplace Safety and Health colleagues offer details on…
New Massachusetts Law Limits Intensive Care Unit Nurses To Two Patients, Regulations Expected
The following article from our colleagues on the Jackson Lewis P.C. website regarding a new Massachusetts law affecting nursing staffing ratios may be of particular interest to healthcare employers. Click here to be transferred directly to the link.
Massachusetts Hospitals May Not Require Mandatory Overtime For Nurses Beginning November 4, 2012
Massachusetts’ new law prohibiting hospitals from requiring nurses who deliver patient care to work mandatory overtime will become effective this November 4, 2012. Employers should take steps now to prepare for this change. To read more about the new legislation, see Mandatory Overtime Bill For Hospital Nurses In Massachusetts Becomes Law.