Skip to main content

 Logo

Healthcare Finance: California warns hospitals of tougher enforcement action for violating nurse staffing ratios

September 14, 2023

Hospitals face a $15,000 fine for the first violation, with the state narrowing the circumstances for exceptions.

Healthcare industry outlet Healthcare Finance reports on the California Department of Public Health's issuance of an "all facilities letter" advising hospitals of its intention to finally enforce penalties for ratio violations, created by our 2019 "Stop Repeat Offender Hospitals" bill, SB227.

Our Union President, Leo Pérez comments:

"Patients in California are safer today because nurses and healthcare workers demanded that hospitals be held accountable for violating safe-staffing laws," said Leo Pérez, RN and president of SEIU 121RN.

"The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that our state's health depends on supporting and listening to those who are on the front lines of patient care – a lesson we should never forget. Today's action is the result of SEIU's relentless vigilance. We applaud the step CDPH has taken to enforce laws that keep patients safe."

Read the story at Healthcare Finance.