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Legislative Call To Action

Posted about 2 months ago by Mary Ahlers

Greetings from the Greater Cincinnati Organization for Nursing Leadership legislative team. 

We are currently in the “lame duck” phase of the legislative session, which refers to the period following the election and before the newly elected officials take office. This time is typically marked by fast-moving legislation as the 135th General Assembly draws to a close. Any legislation not passed by the end of this session will "die" and need to be reintroduced in the 136th General Assembly.

At present, House Bill 285 is receiving a lot of attention. 

Call to Action: Urgent Appeal for Nurses and Nurse Leaders to Contact Legislators in Opposition to House Bill 285 

As professionals dedicated to delivering the highest quality care to our patients, we need your immediate action to protect our practice and the safety of our patients. Legislation currently under consideration in the Ohio General Assembly, House Bill 285, could have serious consequences for nursing practice, patient access to care, and the ability of healthcare teams to provide safe and effective treatment.

House Bill 285 – Nurse Staffing Standards

House Bill 285 proposes mandatory nurse staffing ratios in healthcare settings, which may:

  • Ignore the flexibility required to adjust staffing based on patient acuity and specific care needs.
  • Lead to financial strain on healthcare facilities, particularly in underserved areas, which could ultimately result in decreased patient access to care.
  • Increase pressure on nurses by creating rigid staffing standards that do not account for the complexities of patient care.

Why Your Voice Matters:

As nurses, we are at the frontline of patient care, and our expertise is crucial in shaping policies that affect both the healthcare system and patient outcomes. These bills threaten to:

  • Restrict the ability of healthcare providers to make individualized care decisions.
  • Increase administrative burdens that take time away from direct patient care.
  • Lead to a less flexible and more regulated environment that could ultimately harm patients.

Take Action Now:

We urge all nurses, nurse leaders, and healthcare professionals to contact your state legislators immediately to voice your opposition to House Bill 285. Your advocacy is critical to ensuring that nurses can continue to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care without unnecessary restrictions.

How You Can Help:

  1. Call or Email Your Legislators:
    • Find your state legislators’ contact information by visiting the Ohio State Legislature website.
    • Share your personal story and the impact these bills would have on nursing practice, patient care, and the healthcare system.
  2. Attend Legislative Hearings:
    • Stay informed about upcoming hearings and participate in any public testimony to voice your opposition to these bills.
  3. Encourage Colleagues to Get Involved:
    • Mobilize your colleagues and nursing organizations to speak out in opposition, demonstrating the collective strength of the nursing community.

Sample Message to Send to Legislators:

Subject: Oppose House Bill 285 

Dear [Legislator's Name],

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 285.  As a nurse, I am deeply concerned about the potential negative impact this bill will have on patient care and nursing practice.

House Bill 285’s mandated staffing ratios will disregard the unique needs of patients and may lead to unintended consequences, including increased strain on our healthcare system and limitations in care access, particularly in underserved areas.

I urge you to oppose both bills and work towards solutions that support patient safety, nursing autonomy, and a healthcare system that truly serves the needs of all Ohioans.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Contact Information]

Together, We Can Make a Difference:

By contacting your legislators and voicing your concerns, you help ensure that the voices of nurses and healthcare professionals are heard. Let’s stand together to protect our patients, our practice, and the future of healthcare in Ohio.

Thank you for your advocacy!

 

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