Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,TCN-Deerpark) today applauded the Assembly Health Committee’s approval of the “Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act,” which would provide staffing standards and ratios for nursing homes, hospitals, nurses and direct care workers, aimed at increasing the quality of healthcare and minimizing deficiencies at healthcare institutions that have led to subpar treatment and death. The bill, which was passed by the Assembly last year and died in the Senate, would also protect nurses and direct care workers from mistreatment and discrimination.

“Nurses are one of the most vital resources in New York’s healthcare system,” Brabenec said. “Many times, these dedicated men and women are understaffed and overworked, and that ultimately leads to a deficiency in the quality of care and that is unacceptable. Our direct care organizations, in particular, have been under attack in recent years yet deserve to be properly staffed and funded in relation to the rest of the healthcare industry. This legislation will bolster the quality of care for everyone and protect those who are on the frontlines of patient care. I urge the Assembly leadership to bring this bill to the floor for a vote and pass it as we proudly did last year.”