Before you read: Lower nurse-to-patient ratio is a good thing

California implemented lower nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in three hospital units effective Jan. 1, completing its phase-in of a 1999 state law requiring specific nurse-to-patient staffing ratios by unit.

Nurse-to-patient ratios were lowered to 1:3 from 1:4 in step-down units, and to 1:4 from 1:5 in telemetry and other specialty care units.

"California hospitals are doing the best they can to comply with the ratio requirement, “said California Hospital Association spokesman Jan Emerson. “This includes the use of traveler nurses, which are necessary because of the continuing shortage of nurses in California."

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