EDC Supports a NO Vote on Question #1

On November 6^th, Massachusetts voters will be asked to vote on mandated nurse staffing ratios. The question will appear as Question #1 on the ballot. 

Here are five reasons why we ask you to consider voting “no” on Question #1.

1.    Crucial healthcare decisions should be made at the bedside and not at the ballot box.

2.    If passed, rigid government mandated nurse staffing ratios will be enforced at all hospitals, on all units, at all times with no exceptions.

3.    If implemented, the cost to the Commonwealth will be $1.31 billion annually. Healthcare costs for everyone will rise in Massachusetts.

4.    Out of all 50 states only one other state (California) has mandated nurse staffing ratios and there is no evidence that it contributes to quality care. In fact, 2018 Leapfrog patient safety data http://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/your-hospitals-safety-grade/state-rankings ranks  Massachusetts 4th in the nation for percentage of hospitals with the top patient safety rating, while California ranks 25^th. 

5.    Question 1 would result in longer wait times in the Emergency Room and the reduction of 1,000 behavioral health beds throughout the state (38% of the total supply) impacting our ability to combat the opioid crisis.

For more information please visit www.protectpatientsafety.com where you can also learn more.  

Thank you.