SAFE PATIENT LIMITS

Creates the Safe Patient Limits Act. Provides for the maximum number of patients that may be assigned to a registered nurse in specified situations. Provides that nothing shall preclude a facility from assigning fewer patients to a registered nurse than the limits provided in Act. Provides specified requirements for the Act's implementation by a facility. Establishes recordkeeping requirements. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall adopt rules governing the implementation and operation of the Act. Provides that nothing in the Act precludes the use of patient acuity systems consistent with provisions of the Hospital Licensing Act concerning nurse staffing by patient acuity; however, the maximum patient assignments in the Act may not be exceeded regardless of the use and application of any patient acuity system. Provides that all facilities shall adopt written policies and procedures for training and orientation of nursing staff and that no registered nurse shall be assigned to a nursing unit or clinical area unless that nurse has, among other things, demonstrated competence in providing care in that area. Provides for specified nurse rights and protections. Provides that the Act's provisions are severable. Contains other provisions. Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that a hospital shall not mandate that a registered professional nurse delegate nursing interventions. Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that the exercise of professional judgment by a direct care registered professional nurse in the performance of his or her scope of practice shall be provided in the exclusive interests of the patient. Makes other changes.