SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House Health Finance and Policy Committee heard the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act, House File 1700, authored by Rep. Sandra Feist (DFL – New Brighton). This bill reflects a comprehensive approach to ensuring safe staffing in Minnesota hospitals by giving nurses a voice in the staffing of hospitals, incorporating violence prevention protocols and funding, and enacting new measures to enhance the recruitment and retention of skilled nurses at the hospital bedside.
“The status quo for our nurses and hospitals is unacceptable,” said Rep. Feist. “We don’t have a shortage of registered nurses in Minnesota; we have a retention crisis. The number one reason nurses are leaving the profession is insufficient staffing. Nurses are retiring early in staggering numbers and taking their years of invaluable experience away from our hospitals and Minnesota patients. Our solution gives direct care nurses a voice in staffing at the hospitals where they are serving, addresses workforce shortages, and it addresses the increasing occurrences of violence at our hospitals. This bill is a win-win for Minnesota nurses, hospitals, and patients.”
Cardiac nurse John Welsh, ER nurse Diana Smith, pediatric nurse Laura Arnold, RN Rachel Hanneman, and former bedside nurse Carrie Mortrud all testified in support of the bill. The bill passed the committee and was re-referred to the House Labor and Industry Committee. The Senate’s companion bill is moving through its committee processes.
Video of the bill presentation can be viewed on the House Public Information’s YouTube Channel.
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