The "Quality Patient Care Act" is a proposed bill in Minnesota that mandates hospitals to maintain registered nurse staffing levels in accordance with nationally accepted standards. It requires the development and implementation of staffing plans that specify maximum patient assignments for direct-care registered nurses, ensuring adequate staffing for patient safety. The bill outlines specific patient-to-nurse ratios based on care intensity and acuity, with strict compliance deadlines, particularly for rural hospitals. It prohibits averaging patient assignments over time and mandates that staffing plans be created in consultation with direct-care registered nurses and approved by relevant labor unions.

Additionally, the legislation protects nurses from retaliation for reporting inadequate staffing levels and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance. It prohibits the use of mandatory overtime, the assignment of inadequately trained nurses, and layoffs of essential nursing staff to meet staffing standards. The bill also establishes a Safe Patient Assignment Committee, primarily composed of direct-care registered nurses, to assess staffing needs and ensure compliance. It emphasizes the necessity of direct patient observation by registered nurses, prohibits the use of technology as a substitute for direct care, and requires hospitals to submit detailed staffing reports. Overall, the bill aims to enhance patient care quality and safety while safeguarding nurses' rights in their professional judgment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.7055, 148.264