CA RNs- What's the latest on AB394?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm a CA RN. I thought AB394, the safe staffing legislation was going into effect soon? I didn't see any big info on CNA's website.

My hospital is cutting back our nursing staff AGAIN. How can this be? We are barely keeping our heads above water as it is. The AUPs are so plentiful you could wallpaper the wall with them.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any darker!

Does anyone in CA have an update or news about the nurse patient ratio legislation? Will it remain only a dream? Things seem to be getting WORSE around here. :o

I attended a CNA class where we were told implementation would be January 1, 2004 at the latest. This is from the DHS:

http://www.applications.dhs.ca.gov/regulations/search.asp?REGID=R-37-01&advanced=yes&c2=@filewrite&o2=%3E&q1=&EMERGENCY=&submit1=Begin+Search

Look at the "Statement of Reasons"

And the CNA site:

http://www.calnurse.org/gr/aanestad.html

Wish I knew more. We were told the CNA (510) 273- 2500 will have CE updates as soon as the DHS announces the LVN to RN % or whatever they do.

Last I heard (and this may be old news) the unions -- CNA and SEIU were still at odds about the definition of "what is a nurse". CNA wants only RN's included in the ratio and SEIU wants RN's and LVN's. I haven't read anywhere if the Legislature has decided which is the correct definition. Right now Calif. in deep in debt and all the lawmakers are concerned with is getting a state budget approved. All other legislation in on the back burner.

Funny....If LVN's aren't included in the 1:4 ration, and let's say they are given higher ratio's, how many patients will the RN who's "covering" that LVN really have?

1:4 for RN's and LVN's...Is my new motto. Anything else defeats the purpose.

Originally posted by Gomer

Last I heard (and this may be old news) the unions -- CNA and SEIU were still at odds about the definition of "what is a nurse". CNA wants only RN's included in the ratio and SEIU wants RN's and LVN's. I haven't read anywhere if the Legislature has decided which is the correct definition. Right now Calif. in deep in debt and all the lawmakers are concerned with is getting a state budget approved. All other legislation in on the back burner.

I would guess the DHS budget if to be cut too.

The BRN which already contributes to the general fund was told to cut 10% like all state agencies. Their money comes from our license fees.

Still the DHS had said they must go ahead with the ratios and the hospital lobby lost its delay in court.

Seems likely a comprimise as far as the rn to LVN. Read the Statement of Reasons from the above link. The ratios are meant for the least sick patients, I think LVNs will still be working. After all the DHS will only inspect during JCAHO and when a complaint is made. Having LVNs will keep the number of complaints down even if the ratio says RN.

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