Texas Health and Safety Code
§ 257.002 — LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS
HS § 257.002Title 4. HEALTH FACILITIES · Part B. LICENSING OF HEALTH FACILITIES · Ch. 257. NURSE STAFFING
Statute text
View on source(a)The legislature finds that:
(1)research supports a conclusion that adequate nurse staffing is directly related to positive patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction with the practice environment;
(2)nurse satisfaction with the practice environment is in large measure determined by providing an adequate level of nurse staffing based on research findings and patient intensity;
(3)nurse satisfaction and patient safety can be adversely affected when nurses work excessive hours; and
(4)hospitals and nurses share a mutual interest in patient safety initiatives that create a healthy environment for nurses and appropriate care for patients.
(b)In order to protect patients, support greater retention of registered nurses, and promote adequate nurse staffing, the legislature intends to establish a mechanism whereby nurses and hospital management shall participate in a joint process regarding decisions about nurse staffing.
Legislative history
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 742 (S.B. 476), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.