Rhode Island General Assembly To Study Safe Hospital Staffing

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island General Assembly will study safe hospital staffing ratios.

The study was prompted by legislation sponsored by state Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Melissa Murray, D-Woonsocket and North Smithfield, and state Rep. Deborah A. Fellela, D-Johnston.

A 16-member Special Legislative Commission to Study Safe Staffing Ratios in Hospitals will include legislators, state officials, hospital direct care staff, patients and representatives of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, the Organization of Nurse Leaders, health care labor unions and nurse educators, according to a media release.

“As patients’ needs have become more complex, there are concerns about whether staffing totals are keeping pace, and whether that affects patient safety, quality of care and workforce stability,” Murray said in the release.

“There has been no formal study of this issue," Murray said. "This study will give us the data and real-world conditions we need to know about to make informed decisions about whether we need to make any changes.”

The commission will issue quarterly progress to the General Assembly beginning Sept. 1, with a final report of findings and recommendations due Sept. 1, 2027, the release said.

"This is about bringing people together, finding the facts and getting the hardworking workforce in our hospitals the support they need and deserve," Fellela said in the release.

See also:

• Rhode Island Doctor Elected AMA Trustee
• Rhode Island Ranks Near Top For Drowsy Drivers Causing Fatal Crashes: Study
• Rhode Island CVS Hosting Soccer Block Party During World Cup