BILL REQ. #:  S-3965.1 

Read first time 01/10/2006.   Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

     AN ACT Relating to posting staffing levels at nursing homes; and adding a new section to chapter 18.51 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 18.51 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Each nursing home shall compile and post in a visible and accessible location of the residential area information about the number and type of credentialed health care providers who are directly responsible for resident care during each shift. The information shall also specify the anticipated ratio of credentialed health care providers to residents during each shift. The information shall be adjusted within a reasonable amount of time after each shift has begun to reflect the actual staffing level and the actual ratio of credentialed health care providers to residents.
     (2) Each nursing home shall compile the monthly averages of the information listed in subsection (1) of this section by shift and report it to the department every year at a time and manner prescribed by the department. In addition, the nursing home shall provide a copy of the report to any member of the public upon request. The department shall compile an annual report of the reports that it receives from each nursing home and make the information available to the public.