The "Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act of 2023" aims to improve nurse staffing and working conditions in Minnesota hospitals by establishing mandatory nurse staffing and workload committees. Each hospital is required to create these committees to ensure safe staffing levels and develop evidence-based core staffing plans. The bill also mandates that the commissioner of health grades and publicly discloses hospital compliance with these plans, while introducing a grant program to enhance the mental health of healthcare workers. Key provisions include treating participation in staffing committee meetings as scheduled work time and establishing a hospital nursing education loan forgiveness program.

Additionally, the bill enhances workplace violence prevention measures by requiring hospitals to develop comprehensive action plans and conduct annual reviews. It prohibits retaliation against nurses for refusing unsafe assignments and mandates that hospitals document compliance with staffing plans for five years. The legislation also establishes a Trauma Advisory Council to improve the statewide trauma system and allocates funds for health professional education loan forgiveness programs. Overall, the bill emphasizes the importance of safe staffing, mental health support, and workplace safety for healthcare workers while implementing a phased approach to these new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.7055, 144.566, 144.1501, 144.7067
1st Engrossment: 144.653, 144.7055, 144.566, 144.1501, 144.608, 147A.08, 144.7067
1st Engrossment: 144.653, 144.7055, 144.566, 144.1501, 144.608, 147A.08, 144.7067