Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1812-C, sub-§8 is enacted to read:

8.__Ratios; nursing staff to patients.__The department shall establish the following specific ratios of direct-care nursing staff to patients in nursing homes:

A.__Day shift: one direct-care nursing staff member for every 6 patients;

B.__Evening shift: one direct-care nursing staff member for every 10 patients; and

C.__Night shift: one direct-care nursing staff member for every 15 patients.

An employer may not count a licensed staff member, such as a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse, in the ratio of direct-care nursing staff to patients unless that licensed staff member has a direct-care assignment.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Department of Human Services to establish specific ratios of direct-care nursing staff to patients in nursing homes.