In the last several years, members of AFT Nurses and Healthcare Professionals affiliates have achieved profound victories in staffing ratio legislation in several states, Connecticut included. Here are resources ton the laws as they stand in Oregon, Washington and California:
- Oregon:
- Washington:
- California:
Here in Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont signed landmark legislation into law on June 12th, 2023. This came after decades of advocating for policies aimed at unsafe hospital staffing by AFT Connecticut Healthcare affiliate members and others. The state budget package included language initially included in a proposal supported by AFT Connecticut-affiliated union activists, as well as workplace safety and patient care advocates. The statute empowered bedside health professionals to achieve safe patient limits in their facilities beginning in late 2023.
The pertinent language of the law is in sections 53 & 54; however, we also have a simplified overview available.
The second of two online webinars explaining the implementation of the new statutes was held in late 2023:
Watch the first session presenting the law (July, 2023).
Access the presentation featured in the webinar (July, 2023).