Over the past several months, a core group of AFT CT staff, leaders (including our AFT state and national presidents) and members have worked on safe staffing legislation here in CT.
The short story is this- WE WERE SUCCESSFUL!
The long story is interesting and educational.
At the beginning of the legislative session, we sat with the chairs of the Public Health Committee and presented what would become SB 1067. With their help we had a public hearing and something like 71+ members testified, submitted testimony, showed up for the press conference launching the effort, or the lobby day to push it.
We worked with the CT Nurses Association and a grassroots nurses group, CT NU, as well legislators from both parties, the governor’s office and agency people, I cannot say enough about the commitment and expertise of AFT CT local leaders and staff. If ever my philosophy of surrounding myself with intelligent and dedicated people was doubted, this experience should end that discussion.
And then…
Our bill died in committee.
The result of the work of a few non believers.
But it was resurrected in the budget implementer, it passed with bipartisan support, and it was signed by the governor.
It is now law.
Staffing Committees in hospitals will no longer be something that exists only on paper. Staffing Committees will be a comprised of a majority of bedside nurses and they will determine the plan, including ratios, because they will need to develop and approve any plan.
This legislation will increase retention, recruitment and patient safety.
Thank you everyone who played a part.
Details can be found here. Pertinent sections are 54 & 55
