Press Release
The groundbreaking legislation would set minimum nurse-to-patient staffing levels in hospitals throughout the state. It would also establish staffing standards for other types of healthcare workers, including Certified Nursing Assistants.
CARSON CITY — Following the passage of a historic staffing bill, healthcare workers from around the state are calling on Gov. Joe Lombardo to sign SB 182 to protect patients and healthcare workers.
The bill was passed by the State Assembly Monday afternoon on the last day of the legislative session on a 27-15 vote. SB 182 is sponsored by State Senator Rochelle Nguyen.
“For years now, nurses have been fighting for better staffing levels in our hospitals to protect our patients, ensure quality care and improve the nursing profession,” said Jody Domineck, a registered nurse and the secretary-treasurer of SEIU Local 1107. “Legislation to ensure safe staffing would improve healthcare throughout our state, and we have a unique opportunity to get it done. We all need to take advantage of this moment.”
Mya Arévalo, a CNA at Dignity Hospitals, agreed. “Staffing ratios will save lives,” she said. “Requiring better staffing in our hospitals will allow us more time with our patients and result in better care and outcomes. Requiring hospitals to improve staffing will reduce medical and medicine errors, lower death rates, shorten hospital stays due to improved care and lessen nurse burn out.”
In what will become a defining moment of his first term, Gov. Joe Lombardo now has a choice. He can stand up for patients and nurses by signing SB 182 or he can become personally responsible for the short staffing in our hospitals — a crisis that corporate executives have refused to fix since before the pandemic.