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6/9/2026
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Assembly will study safe hospital staffing
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STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly will study the issue of safe hospital staffing ratios under legislation sponsored by Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Melissa Murray and Rep. Deborah A. Fellela and approved by the General Assembly yesterday.
The 16-member Special Legislative Commission to Study Safe Staffing Ratios in Hospitals will include legislators, state officials, hospital direct care staff, patients and representatives of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, the Organization of Nurse Leaders, healthcare labor unions and nurse educators.
“As patients’ needs have become more complex, there are concerns about whether staffing totals are keeping pace, and whether that affects patient safety, quality of care and workforce stability,” said Chairwoman Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield). “There has been no formal study of this issue. This study will give us the data and real-world conditions we need to know about to make informed decisions about whether we need to make any changes.”
Said Representative Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston), “This is about bringing people together, finding the facts and getting the hardworking workforce in our hospitals the support they need and deserve.”
Under the joint resolution (2026-S2258Aaa, 2026-H 7031Aaa) the commission will study:
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The impact of staffing levels on patient outcomes and safety
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The effect of staffing ratios on workforce recruitment and retention
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The financial and operational implications for hospitals and the state
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A review of best practices and models from other states and
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An evaluation of how Rhode Island hospitals are implementing new national staffing standards, including the Joint Commission’s 2026 National Performance Goal on nurse staffing, and whether additional state-level policies or oversight mechanisms are needed to ensure compliance, patient safety and workforce stability.
The commission is required to issue quarterly progress to the General Assembly beginning Sept. 1, with a final report of findings and recommendations due Sept. 1, 2027.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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