Sen. Larson, Rep. Hong Introduce the Nurse Staffing and Patient Protection Act

September 13, 2023

Contact:
Senator Chris Larson
(608) 266-7505

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sen. Larson, Rep. Hong Introduce the Nurse Staffing and Patient Protection Act

Madison, WI - Accompanied by nurses from across Wisconsin, Sen. Larson and Rep. Hong introduced the Nurse Staffing and Patient Protection act at a press conference at the State Capitol. The bill aims to improve patient safety and grow our healthcare workforce through the creation of safe staffing ratios and fair labor practices for nurses and healthcare support professionals in Wisconsin.

Sen. Larson released the following statement:

“Nurses are heroes. We saw it during the pandemic, and it’s always been true.

“Unfortunately, the reality is that large and constantly-growing hospital systems don’t feel the same way, and it’s putting our nurses and their patients at serious risk.

“The bill that myself, Rep. Hong, Rep. Ratcliff, and Sen. Carpenter are releasing today, the Nurse Staffing and Patient Protection Act, is designed to help in their efforts at achieving a safer, more just workplace.” 

Rep Hong added:

“Nurses should not have to check their rights at their workplace door. As we have seen these past few years, healthcare workers are heroic members of our community and are owed fair and safe working conditions. As policymakers, we need to go beyond basic lip service. 

“It is past time for us to support our nurses by ensuring safe staffing levels and ensuring fair labor practices. Let’s care for them as they’ve cared for our communities.”

The bill was circulated for co-sponsorship to other legislators this morning ahead of formal introduction in the coming weeks. The co-sponsorship memo can be found HERE.