SEIU Healthcare Florida Member Betsy Marville on Patient Right to Know

Sun-Sentinel
Letter to the Editor
March 18, 2008

Florida Legislative Bills Would Give Patients More Information About Hospitals

"Lawsuit over man's death puts use of agency nurses in spotlight," by Bob LaMendola, highlights the need for more information concerning exactly how hospitals are staffing their floors and units.

Currently, the Patient Right to Know Act has been filed as SB 1186 in the Florida Senate by Sen. Nan Rich and as HB 851 by Rep. Ron Brise in the House. The bill would require hospitals to report to the Agency for Health Care Administration the average number of RN, LPN and CNA staff per patient in each unit, including agency use, for access by the public.

AHCA posts infection and mortality rates for hospitals on the Web, but has no information available to accurately compare these rates to nursing care. The bill is waiting to be scheduled for a hearing by Sen. Jeff Atwater, chairman of the Senate Health Regulation Committee, and
Rep. Rene Garcia, chairman of the House Health Innovation Committee. Contact these legislators and let them know that the time for patient rights is now.

Betsy Marville, R.N.

Boynton Beach