Smythe Stands With Nurses; Demands Action On Safe Staffing Bill
(Poughkeepsie, NY) On Friday, Senate Candidate Karen Smythe joined over 50 committed nurses, advocates, and supporters at Vassar Brothers Medical Center to demand the State Senate take action on the Safe Staffing For Quality Care Act. This common-sense legislation would help ensure a better quality of care for New York patients and senior citizens.
“It is inconceivable for a bill that will help save lives and improve health care quality and coverage is being held up by Senator Serino and the Senate Republicans,” Karen Smythe said. “I am proud to stand with nurses and caregivers to demand action on this legislation. The Safe Staffing For Quality Care Act is a good bill, and it should be passed before the end of the Senate Session so we can start saving more New Yorkers’ lives.”
The Safe Staffing For Quality Care Act, Senate Bill S.3330 sponsored by a Republican Senator, would require ‘acute care facilities’ such as hospitals and nursing homes, to implement an appropriate direct-care nurse to patient ratio. The staff to patient ratio would be determined by the Acute Care Facility Council which will be appointed by the State Health Commissioner. Unfortunately, it has been held up and blocked from passage by Senator Sue Serino and the Senate Republicans.
Check out the attached picture of Karen Smythe from the rally with nurses and community leaders on this important legislation. You can learn more about Karen Smythe, her experience, and her vision for a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Hudson Valley by visiting: http://
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