Illinois staffing ratio proposal draws fire

The Illinois Hospital Association is fighting a proposed new law that would impose nurse staffing ratios similar to those already in place in California. The legislation, which is sponsored by state Rep. Mary Flowers (D) and Sen. Iris Martinez (D), would require hospitals to increase the number of nurses on staff or face penalties. The plan has won the backing of nurses groups who argue the new rules would help improve care quality by reducing the workload on staffers. Critics say a new law would likely drive up healthcare costs and challenge the effectiveness of staffing mandates, pointing to a study that questions the impact of California's law.

- see this article from the Chicago Sun Times

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