title: A policy analysis of federal registered nurses safe staffing legislation.
abstract: Public and professional concerns over the registered nurse shortage and its effect on quality of care have led to 18 state and 2 federal initiatives to ensure safe hospital nurse staffing. Policy analysis of registered nurses safe staffing legislation introduced by the Congress suggests that its implementation is not likely to achieve all of its stated goals. An alternative policy approach is introduced.
authors.affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5330, USA.
authors.forename: Heidi J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Keeler
authors.forename: Mary E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Cramer
mesh_terms: D005161:Facility Regulation and Control / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007884:Legislation, Nursing; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010557:Personnel Administration, Hospital; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D011050:Policy Making; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D017751:Safety Management / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States