Senate to Vote Soon on Nurse Staffing levels in Massachusetts Hospitals

Senate President Therese Murray called leaders of the Massachusetts Hospital Association and the Massachusetts Nurses Association to her office yesterday to say that the Senate will vote soon on nurse staffing legislation that has cleared the House. The bill would give the Department of Public Health the authority to set nurse to patient staffing ratios. Murray, according to 2 people at the meeting, told both sides that the bill may come up on short notice and offered the opportunity to discuss common ground. She did not suggest any compromise language or say whether she thinks the controversial measure will pass. Aides to Governor Deval Patrick have said they hope the bill does not reach his desk.