The Florida Patient Protection Act aims to improve patient care standards in health care facilities by establishing minimum staffing levels for direct care registered nurses. It introduces a new section in the Florida Statutes, section 395.1013, which emphasizes the necessity of adequate nursing staff for optimal health outcomes. The bill mandates that health care facilities create staffing plans that adhere to specific nurse-to-patient ratios based on the type of unit, such as intensive care and labor and delivery. It also prohibits the use of video surveillance as a substitute for direct nursing observation and allows for exemptions from staffing requirements during declared states of emergency under certain conditions.

In addition to staffing requirements, the bill includes whistle-blower protections for registered nurses, ensuring they can report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. It establishes a legal framework for individuals facing discrimination or retaliation and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance. The legislation mandates transparency in acuity-based patient classification systems and clarifies that collective bargaining agreements may take precedence over staffing requirements, as long as they do not result in lower staffing ratios. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to enhance the quality and safety of patient care while protecting health care workers.