May 04, 2021 —
The New York State Legislature approved measures that will require hospitals and nursing homes to meet minimum staffing levels of nurses and other health care staff.
Measures mandating minimum staffing at health care facilities have been around for several years, but the spotlight on stressed and understaffed hospitals and nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic finally prompted the bill’s passage.
Senate sponsor and Health Committee chair Gustavo Rivera spoke before the vote.
“This is an historic moment,” said Rivera, who added that in the decade he’s held office, he’s had more meetings on the topic than any other issue.