Please email and call Gov Schwarzneggar!!

http://www.calnurse.org/cna/press/121003.html
Governor Won't Seek to Delay California's RN Staffing Ratios,
California Nurses Assn. to Oppose Future Regulatory Changes in Law

The California Nurses Association today welcomed the decision by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger not to seek delays of the state's historic RN-to-patient ratio law. At the same time, CNA said it will oppose ongoing efforts by some hospital industry officials who want changes in the final regulations in upcoming months.

As of January 1, 2004, all hospitals must be staffed in accordance with the minimum ratios which include at least one RN for every six patients in general medical and post-surgical units, one RN for every four ER patients, and one RN for every four pediatric patients. The law also requires hospitals to increase staffing for patients who need additional care.

In recent weeks, some hospital industry officials have sought additional delays while pressing for revisions in the law, steps that CNA warned would have adverse consequences for thousands of California hospital patients.

But the Governor's office confirmed to CNA today that it agrees that the regulations are complete and that it will not act to intervene prior to January 1. CNA has held that there is no statutory basis for further delays in the law.

"This is very good news for California patients and their families," said CNA President Deborah Burger, RN. In the past few weeks, hundreds of RNs have contacted the Governor's office urging proper implementation of the law. "We are confident that their voice has been heard, and that the overwhelming public support for safe standards and public protections in our hospitals is understood."

However, the battle over the law is continuing. Hospital opponents of the law still hope that the Governor will make regulatory revisions in future months. CNA said it will oppose any future changes through regulation in a law that has been on the books for over four years and already undergone extensive regulatory review.

"The message of California RNs will continue to be that the law is needed for public safety and should be fully enforced," said Burger." CNA, she added, "has informed the Governor and the Department of Health Services that we stand prepared to work with them to assist with monitoring hospital compliance and proper enforcement."

CNA, which sponsored the ratio law, notes that numerous scientific and medical studies have documented that safe RN staffing reduces hospital mortality and improves patient health. Additionally, the advent of the ratios has already helped spur an increase in the state's RN workforce, helping to reduce the hospital nursing shortage. More information including the specific ratios can be found on the CNA website, www.calnurse.org.

Contact Governor Schwarzenegger's office today.

Call the Governor's comment line 916-445-2841, press 1 to leave a message.

Send an e-mail to the Governor at: governor@governor.ca.gov

Please copy your email to CNA: patientwatch@calnurses.org


Tell him you oppose any efforts to block or interfere with implementation
of the Safe Staffing Law.


Urge him to support implementation and full enforcement of the law to protect public safety and save the lives of thousands of California patients.

Send a letter to the editor

Additionally, CNA is urging RNs to send letters to your local newspapers expressing your support for the law, and what is at stake for patients if the law is not implemented and properly enforced.

Californians strongly support the Safe Staffing Law, and need to be alerted about the present threat.


Click here for some tips on sending letters, and some select e-mail addresses of California Newspapers.

Sent my e-mail yesturday!
Made me feel good. It's the right thing(and the least I could do).

e-mailed Governor today.

Do y'all reckon it'd hurt to say "loved ya in Terminator (or Twins, or Kindergarten Cop, etc?)

Regarding opposition in delay of nurse ratio.