OLYMPIA, Wash. – With pressure mounting on healthcare workers nationwide, some Washington healthcare providers are looking to legislators for help.
KING 5 reports that two bills, one introduced in the House and the other in the Senate, were brought to lawmakers’ attention last week.
The bills would limit the number of patients served by nurses, ban required overtime, and create committees that would oversee staffing plans.
While the legislation could mark a win for unions, the Washington State Hospital Association says it could cause more issues down the road.
“This bill would be imposing more limits and constraints on our ability to stretch staff, so they can serve patients in these challenging circumstances, instead of providing of providing more flexibility,” said WSHA Executive Vice President Taya Briley.
Briley says she and other officials will continue to study the impacts of the legislation if it passes.
The House Bill will have its first public hearing on Wednesday morning, January 19th.