Authored by Senator Connie Leyva and co-sponsored by the United Nurses Association of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), SEIU California, and SEIU 121RN this bill would require the periodic inspections of specified health facilities to include reviews of compliance with the nurse-to-patient ratios. It would also require administrative penalties for a violation of the nurse-to-patient ratios. Even though nurse-to-patient ratio regulations are already in place, there is no current oversight to ensure hospitals are held accountable for following the ratio rules. SB 227 will provide that much needed oversight.

Nurses work day and night to provide quality care for patients. They care for our most vulnerable and work through difficult shifts to ensure excellent patient care. SB 227 requirements will ensure they are protected from unfair working conditions while providing patients with adequate care.

The bill was signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 12th.