WBUR Newsroom Election 2008 CommonHealth Blog Boston Weather BBC World News NPR Top Stories NPR's Morning Edition NPR Topics: Books NPR Topics: Movies Fresh Air All Things Considered Marketplace Submit a Story Idea RSS Feeds Podcasts Senate Rejects Patient-Nurse Ratios By Martha Bebinger Listen to story (Real Audio) BOSTON - July 18, 2008 - A nurse-patient safety bill has cleared the Senate, but substantial differences with the House will make reaching a resolution difficult. WBUR's Martha Bebinger reports. BEBINGER: In the Senate version, hospitals, working with nurses would set their own nurse staffing plans, while the House would have the state set nurse to patient ratios. Many lawmakers are hoping House and Senate negotiators reach a compromise that puts the contentious issue to rest. But David Schildmeier with the Massachusetts Nurses Association says the union wants the House bill or nothing. SCHILDMEIER: If they don't have a bill that sets safe limits on patient assignment for nurses, which is what is proven will help them, then no bill is worth it because conditions will continue to deteriorate and no one will be helped. BEBINGER: Hospital leaders say the Senate version is a compromise that gives the state more oversight but still leaves flexibility for changing medical and patient needs.    From The WBUR Newsroom Red Sox beat Angels 3-2, move on to ALCS and Rays BOSTON (October 07, 2008) Jason Bay slid headfirst into home plate to score on Jed Lowrie's two-out single in the ninth inning last night as the defending World Series champions beat Los Angeles 3-2 in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series and advanced to play for the AL pennant for the fourth time in six seasons. Rep. Frank Calls for More Regulation NEWTON, Mass. (October 07, 2008) A conversation with Congressman Barney Frank about the financial crisis; what caused it, and what the country should do to avoid another meltdown. Boston by Design: Song of the City BOSTON (October 07, 2008) This week, we're airing a special series on architecture in the city: "Boston by Design." Today, the "Song of the City." Bay Staters Consider Tax Revolt BOSTON (October 07, 2008) In November, Massachusetts voters will consider a ballot question on repealing state income taxes. We report on both sides of the proposal.				Sponsor