Under the proposed legislation, hospitals would be required to limit nurses to four patients or fewer. Units like maternity wards, intensive care units and emergency rooms would see lower patient-to-nurse ratios.
While nurses with the Illinois Nurses Association argue patient limits would improve care outcomes and safety, hospital administrators said evidence isn’t conclusive on the success of nurse-to-patient ratios. A.J. Wilhelmi, president and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, said the limits could raise healthcare costs by more than $2 billion each year, according to NPR Illinois.
“There is no conclusive evidence that these one size fit all nurse staffing ratios actually improve patient outcomes or the quality of care,” he said.
More articles on hospital and physician relationships:
Alaska’s only med school program fights planned shutdown
Chemo patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering get new look through partnership
U of Missouri medical school dean steps down
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.