Another thing that is included in proposed staffing legislation is a requirement for a patient acuity system. However, very few hospitals currently use patient acuity systems. In a recent study in Pennsylvania, less than 20% of hospitals were using patient acuity systems, down from over 40% ten years ago. Key reasons cited for discontinuing the use of patient acuity are problems with validity, reliability, time and cost involved, and the fact that the data lacked credibility with staff.

Many states are considering staffing legislation, which frequently includes a requirement for a Staffing Committee comprised of 50% direct care staff. If you are in one of those states and have a staffing committee, it would be helpful to know how your committee is structured, how has the committee helped or hindered you in achieving staff engagement in staffing decisions, and what you would recommend to others considering the introduction of a staffing committee.