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, particularly in critical care settings, and sets deadlines for compliance, with extended timelines for rural hospitals. It also includes protections for nurses against retaliation for reporting staffing issues and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance, emphasizing collaboration with nursing staff in the staffing plan development process.

Additionally, the bill prohibits practices such as mandatory overtime, assigning inadequately trained nurses, and layoffs of essential nursing staff to meet staffing limits. It mandates the creation of a Safe Patient Assignment Committee by October 1, 2026, composed primarily of direct-care registered nurses, to assess staffing needs and ensure adherence to assignment limits. The legislation underscores the necessity of direct patient observation, disallowing technology as a substitute for nursing care, and requires hospitals to submit detailed staffing reports. The commissioner of health is empowered to enforce compliance and report violations publicly, with appropriations allocated for enforcement activities.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.7055, 148.264