Finds that research demonstrates the critical role that registered nurses play in improving patient safety and quality of care. Greater numbers of registered nurses available to care for hospitalized patients are key to reducing errors, complications, and adverse patient care events. Moreover, higher nurse staffing levels result in improved staff safety and satisfaction and reduced incidences of workplace injuries. In addition, health care professional, technical, and support staff comprise vital components of the patient care team, bringing their particular skills and services to ensuring quality patient care.

Provides therefore, in order to protect patients and to support greater retention of registered nurses, to promote evidence-based nurse staffing, and to increase transparency of health care data and decision making, the legislature finds that ensuring sufficient nurse staffing to meet patient care needs is an urgent public policy priority.