Safe nurse staffing

Ensuring safe nurse staffing is a top priority for WSNA.

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Introduction

Ensuring safe nurse staffing is a top priority for WSNA.

We know, and research confirms, that inadequate nurse staffing leads to medical errors, poorer patient outcomes, nurse burnout and injuries to nurses. Our approach to improving nurse staffing is multifaceted, encompassing legislation and policy, staffing committee tools, education and the latest research.

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Legislation and policy

2023 staffing law

In 2023, WSNA worked closely with our partners in the WA Safe + Healthy Coalition to help pass a more effective safe staffing bill, SB 5236.

About the law

Staffing committee resources

Responses to commonly asked questions on the 2023 staffing law

September 21, 2023

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News

What’s in your charter?

To comply with the hospital staffing committee law, charters are detailed and thorough, addressing over a dozen committee functions related to roles, responsibilities, and processes.

February 1, 2024

Responses to commonly asked questions on the 2023 staffing law

WSNA will educate our members and staff on the new staffing law. We will also be working with our coalition partners to provide joint education through the Washington Safe+Healthy coalition.

September 21, 2023

WSNA names members to state staffing advisory committee

The advisory committee on hospital staffing will start by advising DOH on its development of the uniform hospital staffing plan form.

August 10, 2023

Open positions on new DOH / L&I Hospital Staffing Advisory Committee

Washington State creates a Hospital Staffing Advisory Committee to advise on new staffing law, including diverse representation and public engagement.

July 10, 2023