State House passes safe staffing standards bill for hospitals

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill to improve worker safety and patient care at health care facilities passed in the state House with a 55-43 vote Saturday.

House Bill 1868, sponsored by Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane), addresses staffing needs, overtime, meal and rest breaks, and enforcement, making Washington the second state to mandate safe staffing standards for hospitals.

“Nurses and healthcare workers have moved mountains over the last two years, but they are burning out,” said Riccelli. “With all the pressures of the pandemic, hospitals should not be adding stress to nurses and healthcare workers by not adequately staffing our hospitals. Hospital executives have been able to find millions of dollars to pay themselves bonuses during this pandemic, and now it is time to ensure that healthcare workers and patients are protected from unmanageable patient loads.”

According to a release from House Democrats, a poll revealed that more than 80% of healthcare workers reported being burned out while 49% said they might quit the healthcare industry. When asked why they might quit, more than 70% specified that a shortage in staffing was a huge reason, the release stated.

“Washington should be a place where healthcare workers can have a long and fulfilling career, but we are failing them,” said Rep. Mike Sells (D-Everett), chair of the House Labor and Workforce Standards Committee.

There are also provisions in the bill to make sure nurses get their required meal and rest breaks and overtime laws are enforced.

The bill’s next stop is the Senate.

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