The Michigan Legislature is considering bills (House Bill 4550 / Senate Bill 334) led by nursing unions in the state to implement a minimum direct care nurse-to-patient ratio of 1 nurse to 3 non-critical / nontrauma patients or 1 RN to 1 critical care/trauma patient with an additional RN for triage duties as well as limiting hospitals from imposing mandatory overtime except during a declared state of emergency.
The Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) recognizes the stress on nurses as well as the need to reduce hospital errors, but states that the mandated staffing ratio will not be a solution for our nursing shortage and may lead to hospital closures, service reductions and longer wait times. MCEP has signed on to an MHA letter along with multiple other societies that aligns with the statement from ANA-Michigan; patient care and access must not suffer. Instead, MHA has expanded its support for patient care technicians to earn a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or RN certificate as well as already registered LPNs to earn an RN certificate. Emergency Physicians recognize the benefits and drawbacks in other states that have passed this form of legislation and support the continued research into safe patient care with various staffing models.
We welcome input from our MCEP members online and in-person!
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