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In His First Floor Speech Since Swearing In, Congressman Kennedy Highlights Need For Safe Staffing Nurse-to-Patient Ratios, Calls for Passage of H.R. 2530

First Bill Cosponsored by Kennedy, a Licensed OT and Son and Grandson of Nurses, Comes During National Nurses Week

Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act Would Ensure Quality Care and Reduce Nursing Burnout, Helping to Address Critical Nursing Shortage

Washington, DC, May 9, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As one of his first acts since being sworn in to the House of Representatives, Congressman Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo) cosponsored H.R. 2530, the Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, and spoke on the Floor of the House calling for swift passage of the life-saving legislation.

Video: https://youtu.be/9sqVDYg1s9w

“As we honor National Nurses Week, we should be grateful to our nurses, but we need to do more to support them,” said Congressman Kennedy. “As the son and grandson of nurses, I was proud to cosponsor H.R. 2530 as one of my first acts. This legislation is common sense that will protect patients, reduce burnout and fatigue among nurses and will save lives. This Congress should prioritize passage and enactment of this important legislation.”

Kennedy, a trained and licensed occupational therapist, is also the son and grandson of nurses. His familial and professional backgrounds have demonstrated to him the critical work that nurses perform. However, we face a nursing shortage, in large part due to burnout and fatigue. In fact, from 2020 to 2021, the total national supply of registered nurses decreased by more than 100,000, with a large portion of those nurses under the age of 35.

H.R. 2530, introduced by Rep. Janice Schakowsky, will require hospitals to implement and submit a staffing plan to the Department of Health and Human Services that complies with specified minimum nurse-to-patient ratios by unit. Importantly, the legislation will also adjust Medicare payments to hospitals that are reflective of these ratios, ensuring that hospitals are able to cover additional costs that can be attributed to compliance. The legislation also will empower nurses to object to, or refuse to participate in, assignments that would violate the established minimum ratios. Lastly, in order to help address shortages, the legislation provides funding for student loan repayment and scholarships, as well as funding for nurse retention programming.

"Nurses know that safe staffing improves quality care and saves lives. We are grateful for Rep. Kennedy's advocacy for nurses and patients and for his support for this critical legislation. As we celebrate Nurses Week, let's listen to the nurses and make safe staffing a reality," said NYSNA President and NNU Co-President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN.

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