BOSTON, MA – January 16, 2018 – Representing the best interest of nursing professionals and their patients, the American Nurses Association (ANA) Massachusetts today joined the Coalition to Protect Patient Safety in opposition to a ballot question that mandates rigid nurse staffing ratios. The ballot question has been proposed by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), which represents fewer than 25 percent of nurses in the Commonwealth.

“This is the wrong path for Massachusetts, for patients and for nurses,” said Diane Hanley, President of the ANA Massachusetts Board of Directors. “This proposal undermines the flexibility and decision-making authority of nurses and puts rigid mandates above patient safety, clinical nurse input, nurse manager's discretion, and every other consideration in a hospital.”

ANA Massachusetts is the local chapter of the American Nurses Association, the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's 3.6 million registered nurses. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA Massachusetts joins the Organization of Nurse Leaders (ONL) in representing tens of thousands of nurses who want to protect the state’s healthcare system and its patients from the costs and consequences of rigid, government-mandated nurse staffing ratios that is expected to be placed before voters at the November 2018 election.

“This proposal threatens the high quality of care we provide patients,” said Amanda Stefancyk Oberlies, CEO of the Organization of Nurse Leaders. “It will prevent nurses and doctors from being able to use their best judgment in times of crisis, and the cost pressures will negatively impact other commitments that support nurses, including professional development, research support, nurse residency programs and other funding for nurse time away from the bedside.”

In addition to ANA Massachusetts and ONL, the Coalition to Protect Patient Safety includes the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, the Massachusetts Council of Community Hospitals, the Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals, and other healthcare leaders.

Learn more about the Coalition to Protect Patient Safety at www.Facebook.com/ProtectPatientSafety and www.Twitter.com/MAPatientSafety.
Contact:
Dan Cence
Solomon McCown
617-933-5280
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