H.B. No. 2187 aims to enhance hospital staffing report and complaint processes while providing protections against retaliation and mandatory overtime for nurses. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code by defining key terms such as "Commission" and "Committee," and it mandates that the chief nursing officer of each hospital attest to the accuracy of staffing information reported. Additionally, it establishes that hospitals cannot retaliate against nurses who report violations or provide information to the staffing committee. The bill also outlines the enforcement mechanisms for complaints, requiring the Health and Human Services Commission to develop a process for prompt review and resolution of complaints, including providing written notice to complainants about the outcomes.

Furthermore, the bill reinforces protections for nurses by prohibiting hospitals from suspending or disciplining nurses who refuse mandatory overtime or report violations. It includes provisions for confidentiality regarding complaint information and mandates that the commission adopt necessary rules by December 31, 2025, to implement these changes. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 257.001, Health and Safety Code 257.005 (Health and Safety Code 257)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 257.001, Health and Safety Code 257.005, Health and Safety Code 258.001, Health and Safety Code 258.005 (Health and Safety Code 258, Health and Safety Code 257)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 257.001, Health and Safety Code 257.005, Health and Safety Code 258.001, Health and Safety Code 258.005 (Health and Safety Code 258, Health and Safety Code 257)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 257.001, Health and Safety Code 257.005, Health and Safety Code 258.001, Health and Safety Code 258.005 (Health and Safety Code 258, Health and Safety Code 257)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 257.001, Health and Safety Code 257.005, Health and Safety Code 258.001, Health and Safety Code 258.005 (Health and Safety Code 258, Health and Safety Code 257)