Nurses, Hospitals Face Off on Patient Lifting Assistance Bill
The California Legislature, which reconvenes on Monday, is expected to consider a bill (AB 1136), by Assembly member Sandre Swanson (D-Alameda), that would require hospitals to provide equipment or establish a special support team to help nurses avoid back strains or injuries when lifting or moving patients. The bill has been endorsed and promoted by the California Nurses Association, but the California Hospital Association opposes the bill because the group says it could cost as much as $375,000 annually to provide a two-person, around-the-clock lift team. CHA Vice President Jan Emerson-Shea said the group is asking for the bill to be revised to provide hospitals with greater flexibility to determine where and when the lifting equipment or support is required.
- "Bill Would Require Fitted Sheets at Hotels To Protect Housekeepers" (McGreevy, Los Angeles Times, 8/14).