To: Congressman Robert Hurt

From: Janet Heath, Registered Nurse

Date: March 28, 2016
Subject: H.R. 2083 Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2015

The shortage of nurses and the unsafe nurse to patient ratio has been a matter of concern for
some time but is finally being addressed. The Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2015 has
advanced in Congress to the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Health (RN safe
staffing act of 2015). Currently, it is in the introduction phase awaiting consideration by the
committee (RN safe staffing act of 2015).

The issue involves too few nurses taking care of a larger, unsafe number of patients with
increased budgetary cuts and a shortage of nursing professionals (ANA, 2015). Even though,
getting to this position has been a challenge for the profession, nurses are honored to have
achieved this notable accomplishment. In spite of the delay, a rally will be held in Washington,
DC on May 12, 2016 giving nurses the chance to voice concerns related to the consequence short
staffing has on patients, hospitals, and nurses (Safe staffing, 2016). As a result, nurses, like
myself, can publicly express our opinion in support for H.R. 2083 Registered Safe Staffing Act
of 2015.

Research validates that there is smaller incidence of adverse events, higher patient
satisfaction, and decreased hospital expenditure when there is a safe nurse to patient ratio,
saving an average of $1.5 billion annually (ANA commends intro of RN safe staffing,
2016).
Studies have shown reduction in staff turnover in hospitals where the nurse to patient
ratio is adequate which saves, on average, $88,000, the cost to replace registered nurses
(Safe-Staffing Ratios, 2014).

Recommendation: Vote to pass bill H.R. 2083 Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2015. If
passed, this bill will ensure quality care that will bridge the connection between safety, staffing,
and patient outcomes. I recommend the bill to pass in order to guarantee protection and
safeguard the patient population to provide a nurse to patient ratio that is safe. State-mandated
safe staffing ratios are necessary in order to keep our patients, as well as, ourselves safe. The
opportunity for change is here and has finally made its way into Congress. With the support
from strong voices, such as, representatives from our state and our profession, hopefully, this bill
will pass.

The nursing profession is one that prides itself in caring for patients. Being understaffed and in
charge of an unsafe number of patients puts everyone involved in harms way. It could be your
loved one, or mine. I will continue to support H.R. 2083 Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of
2015 and have confidence that our strong forces will prevail.
 References

Actions - H.R. 2083 - 114th Congress - (2015-2016): Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of

2015. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-

bill/2083/all-

actions?q={%22search%22%3A[%22nurse+safe+staffing%22%2C%22nurse+safe+staffi

ng%22]}&overview=closed

American Nurses Association. (2015). Retrieved from

www.rnaction.org/site/PageNavigator/nstat_take_action_safe_staffing.html

American Nurses Association. (2016). Retrieved from

www.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/MediaResources/PressReleases/2015-

16-NR/ANA-Commends-Introduction-of-the-Registered-Nurse-Safe-Staffing-Act.html

Nurses take DC rally for safe staffing. (2016). Retrieved from http://thenurseteacher.com/nurses-

take-dc-rally-for-safe-staffing/

Safe staffing fact sheet [PDF file]. (2014). Retrieved from dpeaflcio.org/programs-

publications/issue-fact-sheets/safe-staffing-ratios-benefiting-nurses-and-patients/