Congress Introduces Safe Staffing Bill on International Nurses Day

Image source: National Nurses United

Update: 5/13/25

On May 12, 2025 – International Nurses Day – Members of Congress reintroduced the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act (H.R. 2530), aiming to address one of the most pressing issues facing the nursing profession and patient care: unsafe staffing levels in hospitals. This landmark bill has been applauded by nurses and their advocates.

Key Provisions of the Safe Staffing Bill

• Mandatory Minimum RN-to-Patient Ratios: The bill sets specific minimum ratios for all hospital units, such as 1:1 for trauma emergency and operating rooms, 1:2 in critical care, and 1:4 in medical-surgical units, among others.
• Whistleblower Protections: Nurses who speak out about unsafe staffing conditions will be protected from retaliation.
• Transparency and Accountability: Hospitals will be required to post staffing ratios and maintain records to ensure compliance.
• Investment in Nurse Training and Retention: The legislation includes measures to support ongoing education and career development for nurses.

What Nurses and Their Supporters Are Saying

Nurse leaders and organizations have voiced strong support.

• Lead bill sponsor Rep. Jan Schakowsky emphasized, “Study after study shows that safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios result in higher quality care for patients, lower health care costs, and a better workplace for nurses. It is past time that we act on the evidence, give nurses the support they deserve, and put patients over profits.”
• American Nurses Association President, Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, said: “Nurses are expected to provide excellent care, but they often work in conditions that make that exceedingly difficult. Nurses must practice in work environments where their professional and personal well-being is supported and protected. Policy coupled with other nurse-led staffing standards and solutions will improve nurses’ working environment and patient outcomes.”
• RN and NNU president, Nancy Hagans, said: “Our patients deserve high-quality care, and nurses have always stood up to protect our patients. It’s time hospital managers are mandated to staff our units safely for our patients’ sake and to actually give nurses the resources and respect we deserve.”

Why Now? The Context of International Nurses Day

This legislative push coincided with International Nurses Day on May 12, a global celebration of the nursing profession and a call to action for better support and recognition. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) chose the theme “Caring for nurses strengthens economies” for 2025, underscoring the vital link between nurse wellbeing, patient outcomes, and the health of entire communities.

Dr. Pamela Cipriano, ICN President, highlighted the urgency: “For our 2025 IND theme we are highlighting the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of nurses, who are vital to the functioning of health systems globally. Nurses face numerous challenges: physical, mental, emotional and ethical, and it is imperative that we address these challenges in a way that promotes their overall health.”

What’s Next?

The introduction of the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for safe staffing. Nurses are encouraged to stay informed, advocate for passage, and share their stories with lawmakers and the public.

As Rep. Schakowsky put it, “It is past time that we act on the evidence, give nurses the support they deserve, and put patients over profits. Let’s get it done!”

The ANA and National Nurses United urge nurses to advocate for the bill, highlighting its potential to improve patient safety, reduce nurse burnout, and help rebuild the nursing workforce pipeline.

Nurse.org will continue to update this article as the bill progresses through Congress. We applaud the members of Congress who have tirelessly championed this legislation, standing alongside nurses in the fight for safer staffing, better patient care, and the respect the nursing profession deserves. 

Original article (11/3/23) - Federal Nurse Safe Staffing Bill Gains Support From The ANA

The American Nurses Association (ANA) recently announced its support for new federal legislation focused on implementing minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in hospitals across the country. 

Nursing Staffing Standards For Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act

The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act (H.R.2530 and S.1113), was reintroduced in March 2023 by U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Co-Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families, and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). The bill would require all hospitals that participate in Medicare to establish and comply with minimum nurse staffing levels as a condition of participation in the program.

According to the ANA, the bills would help ensure nurses have reasonable workloads so they can provide high-quality care to patients. The legislation also aims to improve nurse retention and create a safer work environment.

ANA Statement

The ANA believes the legislation, if passed, would have a significant impact. 

“Nurses are expected to provide excellent care, but they often work in conditions that make that exceedingly difficult. They do not get paid enough and are stretched thin in their roles and responsibilities. Nurses must practice in work environments where their professional and personal well-being is supported and protected.  Policy coupled with other nurse-led staffing standards and solutions will improve nurses’ working environment and patient outcomes,” said President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. 

"The nurse staffing crisis stems from the work environment. ANA is glad that Senator Brown and Representative Schakowsky brought new support and attention to advance this legislation and that there are members in Congress who use their platform to elevate the issues nurses face on a day-to-day basis. This legislation is an example of intentional action that demonstrates the value of nursing care and the nursing workforce," said Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hatmaker, Ph.D., RN, FAAN.

Read the full press release here

States Take Action on Nurse Staffing

In addition to the ANA’s efforts, several states have recently introduced legislation to implement nurse staffing standards. Bills in New York, Illinois and Massachusetts are still pending, while a staffing law in Connecticut is awaiting funding to be implemented. California currently has the only legally mandated statewide nurse-to-patient ratios in the U.S. Voters approved minimum ratios in 1999, and the California Department of Public Health has found higher staffing levels have improved patient care.

 

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