The "Quality Patient Care Act" mandates that hospitals in Minnesota adhere to nationally accepted staffing standards for registered nurses, requiring the development of specific staffing plans that outline maximum patient assignments for direct-care nurses. The bill establishes patient-to-nurse ratios based on care intensity and acuity, with strict compliance deadlines. It prohibits hospitals from averaging patient assignments over time and requires that staffing plans be created in consultation with direct-care registered nurses and approved by labor unions. Additionally, the bill includes measures to protect nurses from retaliation for reporting staffing issues and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance.

The legislation further prohibits the use of mandatory overtime, the assignment of inadequately trained nurses, and layoffs of essential nursing staff to meet staffing limits. It mandates the formation of a Safe Patient Assignment Committee by October 1, 2026, primarily composed of direct-care registered nurses, to assess staffing needs and ensure compliance with assignment limits. The bill emphasizes the necessity of direct patient observation by registered nurses, disallowing the use of technology as a substitute for direct care. Hospitals are required to submit detailed staffing reports to the Minnesota Hospital Association, with significant penalties for noncompliance, and the bill includes provisions for funding to support enforcement of these regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.7055, 148.264