The bill aims to improve workplace standards for hospital staff by expanding staffing committees to include more nursing personnel and establishing a new advisory committee on hospital staffing, which must be formed by September 1, 2023. This committee will consist of representatives from hospital systems and frontline patient care staff, meeting monthly to develop a uniform hospital staffing plan. Hospitals are required to create their own staffing committees by January 1, 2024, with at least 50% of members being nursing staff currently providing direct patient care. Key amendments include changing the term "nurse staffing committee" to "hospital staffing committee" and mandating the development of annual staffing plans based on patient needs, while emphasizing compliance with state and federal laws regarding meal and rest breaks.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for hospitals to submit and implement staffing plans, document deviations, and report on compliance. It introduces provisions for addressing staffing complaints, prohibits retaliation against employees raising concerns, and establishes a framework for investigating staffing violations. The bill also amends labor laws related to meal and rest breaks, clarifying conditions for interruptions and allowing for combined breaks with compensation stipulations. Enforcement mechanisms for compliance are included, along with civil penalties for violations. The Washington State Institute for Public Policy is tasked with studying hospital staffing standards, with findings due by June 30, 2024. Most provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024, while one section will take effect earlier on June 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.41.410, 70.41.420, 70.41.425, 49.12.480, 49.28.130, 49.28.140, 49.28.150
Substitute Bill: 70.41.410, 70.41.420, 70.41.425, 49.12.480, 49.28.130, 49.28.140, 49.28.150
Engrossed Second Substitute: 70.41.410, 70.41.420, 70.41.425, 70.41.130, 49.12.480, 49.28.140, 49.28.150
Second Substitute: 70.41.410, 70.41.420, 70.41.425, 49.12.480, 49.28.130, 49.28.140, 49.28.150
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70.41.410, 70.41.420, 70.41.425, 70.41.130, 49.12.480, 49.28.140, 49.28.150
Session Law: 70.41.410, 70.41.420, 70.41.425, 70.41.130, 49.12.480, 49.28.140, 49.28.150