Registered nurses with National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) applaud the Chicago City Council, which is expected to pass a resolution today, urging Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois lawmakers to pass the Safe Patient Limits Act (H.B. 2604). This bill mandates minimum nurse-to-patient ratios for every hospital unit at all times.

H.B. 2604, which is sponsored by Rep. Fred Crespo and has more than 20 co-sponsors, addresses a patient safety crisis. Study after study clearly shows that unsafe staffing levels compromise patient health, and lead to preventable medical errors, avoidable complications, increased readmissions, and even death.

What: Press conference on Chicago City Council’s resolution on H.B. 2604, the Safe Patients Limits Act
When: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Chicago City Hall – 120 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602
 
Speakers at the press conference include: Alderwoman Sue Garza, Chicago Progressive Caucus; Elaine Mister, RN, National Nurses United; Don Villar, Chicago Federation of Labor; Will Tanzman, executive director of Reclaim Chicago; Dr. Marc Willage, Jane Addams Senior Caucus, and community members.
 
“Decades of studies have proven that increased staffing saves lives and that’s why the Safe Patient Limits Act Unsafe is so important,” said Elaine Mister, RN. “Preventable deaths due to medical errors are on the rise and the solution is simple, increase the number of registered nurses on the floor. We need to ensure that all hospitals prioritize the safety of patients and nurses over profits.”
 
“Protecting the health and safety of the people of Illinois is good public policy – that’s why we need laws like HB 2604,” said Don Villar, secretary treasurer, Chicago Federation of Labor. “Nurses are dedicated caregivers. Instead of acknowledging, appreciating, and respecting their commitment to care, hospital management takes advantage of it by understaffing and piling on the patients.”
 
National Nurses Organizing Committee is a national union and professional organization for registered nurses, advance practice nurses, and RN organizations who want to pursue a more powerful agenda of advocacy, promoting the interests of patients, direct care nurses, and RN professional practice. NNOC was launched by the California Nurses Association, and together with CNA belongs to National Nurses United.