MCNP Supports a NO Vote on Question 1
Posted on 10/26/2018 in State Legislative News
What is Question 1?
This proposed law would limit the number of patients that are assigned to registered nurses in hospitals and other specific health care facilities. The maximum number of patients per nurse would vary depending on the type of unit and level of care within the hospitals. Hospitals would be fined if they violate the law. The law would go into effect January 1, 2019.
Why is MCNP Stating a Position?
The MCNP Board of Directors feels strongly that the voice of nearly 10,000 NPs across MA should be expressed on proposed legislation that has the potential to greatly impact patient access and patient care. The MCNP’s mission is to advance NP practice by means of leadership, education, advocacy, and the delivery of exceptional care. Further, the MCNP’s vision is health equity, cost savings, and optimal wellness for residents of MA.
Why Does MCNP Support a NO Vote on Question 1?
• We believe that access, cost and quality of patient care will be impacted negatively as a consequence of the proposed law.
• We believe the proposed law rigidly inhibits nurses and other administrators from making real-time decisions regarding staffing based on what often are unpredictable changes in acuity and volume.
• We believe the overarching objective of Health Reform cost-containment efforts will be negated.
• We believe there are insufficient nurses to meet the January 1st implementation date if the bill is passed. With an existing deficit of ~ 1200 RNs and a predicted need of ~ 4600 additional nurses to meet staffing ratios, the ability for organizations to comply would be virtually unachievable and mandated $25,000 fines immediate.
• We believe safety net and smaller community hospitals would be at risk for closure because of insufficient RN staffing and the potential for fines. In addition, nurse resources would be drained from federally qualified health centers and that would impact access to care for the most vulnerable populations.
• We believe Ballot Question # 1 is not the right solution for the problem.
Why is MCNP Stating a Position?
The MCNP Board of Directors feels strongly that the voice of nearly 10,000 NPs across MA should be expressed on proposed legislation that has the potential to greatly impact patient access and patient care. The MCNP’s mission is to advance NP practice by means of leadership, education, advocacy, and the delivery of exceptional care. Further, the MCNP’s vision is health equity, cost savings, and optimal wellness for residents of MA.
Why Does MCNP Support a NO Vote on Question 1?
• We believe that access, cost and quality of patient care will be impacted negatively as a consequence of the proposed law.
• We believe the proposed law rigidly inhibits nurses and other administrators from making real-time decisions regarding staffing based on what often are unpredictable changes in acuity and volume.
• We believe the overarching objective of Health Reform cost-containment efforts will be negated.
• We believe there are insufficient nurses to meet the January 1st implementation date if the bill is passed. With an existing deficit of ~ 1200 RNs and a predicted need of ~ 4600 additional nurses to meet staffing ratios, the ability for organizations to comply would be virtually unachievable and mandated $25,000 fines immediate.
• We believe safety net and smaller community hospitals would be at risk for closure because of insufficient RN staffing and the potential for fines. In addition, nurse resources would be drained from federally qualified health centers and that would impact access to care for the most vulnerable populations.
• We believe Ballot Question # 1 is not the right solution for the problem.