Bill Mandating Nurse Staffing Ratios Just Passed in NV— Awaiting Governor's Signature
After months of advocacy and legislative debate, the Nevada Legislature has passed Senate Bill 182, establishing maximum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals across the state. The bill now awaits Governor Joe Lombardo's signature, which would make Nevada the second state after California to mandate specific nurse staffing levels by law.
Key Points:
- Bill Status: SB 182 has passed both chambers of the Nevada Legislature and is awaiting Governor Joe Lombardo's signature to become law.
- Main Objective: The bill aims to enhance patient safety and improve nursing retention by mandating maximum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals.
- Scope: The law will apply to hospitals with 70 or more beds or those in counties with populations of 100,000 or more (currently Clark and Washoe Counties).
- Key Provisions:
- Establishes maximum nurse-to-patient ratios based on patient acuity and hospital unit
- Requires hospitals to create staffing committees for technical and service staff
- Mandates development of documented staffing plans
- Introduces accountability measures and reporting requirements
- Includes protections against retaliation for staff reporting unsafe staffing
SB 182, sponsored by Senator Rochelle Nguyen of Nevada's 3rd Senate District, creates a framework where hospitals must adhere to maximum nurse-to-patient ratios based on the acuity of patients in different units. The legislation specifically targets larger facilities, applying to hospitals with 70 or more beds and those in counties with populations of at least 100,000 people – currently Clark and Washoe Counties.
For nurses working in Nevada hospitals, the practical implications are significant. Once implemented, the law will legally limit how many patients can be assigned to each direct care nurse during a shift. This means hospitals will need to adjust their staffing models, potentially hiring additional nursing staff to meet the new requirements.
Beyond just establishing ratios, SB 182 contains several provisions designed to strengthen nursing practice:
- Hospitals must establish staffing committees that include direct care nurses
- Facilities are required to develop and maintain documented staffing plans
- The law includes protections against retaliation for nurses who report unsafe staffing
- Accountability measures ensure hospitals comply with the new requirements
For Nevada's nursing workforce, the bill represents a potential turning point in addressing chronic understaffing issues. According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing, the state had approximately 48,000 licensed RNs as of early 2025, but many positions remain unfilled as nurses leave the profession citing unsustainable workloads.
As Governor Lombardo considers signing the bill, nurses across Nevada are watching closely. If signed, implementation will likely occur in phases, giving hospitals time to adjust their staffing models and recruitment strategies. For nurses considering a return to hospital practice, the new ratios could make bedside care more sustainable and appealing.
The passage of SB 182 reflects a growing national conversation about nursing workloads, patient safety, and healthcare quality. For Nevada's nurses, it represents a legislative acknowledgment of what many have argued for years: that appropriate staffing is not just a workplace issue but a fundamental patient safety concern.
