Still need more responses on Nurse-Patient Ratios

[autimom4ever]

Hi all

I have had some great response on letters... But we still need more...

If you would like to show your support for legislation on Mandatory Nurse-Patient Ratio's in Medicare Hospitals (See Federal HR3656), print and sign (with an RN next to your name) this letter below and place your zip code next to your name and I will take care of sending letters to your congressmen....

Thanks!!!

Send to:

Becky Marcengill

P.O. Box 776

Olney, Maryland 20830

March 3, 2004

Dear Sir/Madam:

I am writing to urge you to cosponsor HR 3656 the "Quality Nursing Care Act of 2004". This legislation seeks to ensure that patients receive safe, quality nursing care in hospitals and other health care settings.

Research demonstrates that when they are more registered nurses (RNs), there are lower mortality rates, shorter lengths of stay, reduced costs and fewer complications. This bill requires the establishment of a staffing system that ensures a number of RNs on each shift and in each unit of the hospital to ensure appropriate staffing levels for patient care.

The bill also provides public reporting of staffing information. Hospitals must post daily for each shift the number of licensed and unlicensed staff providing direct patient care, specifically noting the number of RNs.

The complexity and variability of today's hospitals necessitate that staffing patterns be determined at the hospital and unit level, with the input of the RNs caring for patients at those institutions.

I urge you to cosponsor this important piece of legislation.

Thank you,