SB182 - Safe Staffing Ratios Response

Dear Nevada Nurses,

Nevada Nurses Association (NNA), has been representing Nevada Nurses for over 100 years. Throughout those years we have had many different focuses as the needs of Nevada nurses have changed. 

In light of recent events, NNA has decided to address the misinterpretation of our stance on Senate Bill (SB) 182. Throughout this legislative session, we have been vocal and open about our concerns with the way this bill is written. While we strive to be present at the table when legislation is being written that directly affects Nevada nurses, we regret that we were not consulted earlier in the process for this bill, which would have resulted in a beneficial bill that we could support. 

Our stance is based on significant experience with Nevada legislation. Each state has different ways in which laws are created and implemented. Knowing this, our NNA Legislative Committee, consisting of volunteer nurses from across Nevada, reviewed the history of nursing laws in Nevada, their implementation, and what needed to be changed in succeeding sessions. 

We would like to clarify that the Nevada Nurses Association (NNA) is NOT against safe staffing ratios—in fact, we strongly support safe staffing for nurses and patients recognizing the benefit that they have for both. Our concern lies in how SB182 is written. The NNA advocated for specific implementation details to be included in the NAC (Nevada Administrative Code) rather than the NRS (Nevada Revised Statutes). 

Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) require a full legislative session to amend. In Nevada, these sessions are only held once every two years. This creates a situation where change is slow and tedious. Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) allows for more flexibility and timely updates as clinical realities evolve. NAC is still enforceable and can be used to hold facilities and hospitals accountable.  

Our advocacy for placing some parts of the proposed legislation in the NAC instead of NRS ensures that NURSES can protect safe staffing. It allows us to be at the table and be responsive to the ever-changing needs of hospital-based nurses in the larger populated areas of the state and also to the needs and safety of their patients. 

As a membership-based association, we welcome respectful dialogue and encourage everyone to review the NNA’s full position on the bill for a better understanding. We ask that you consider membership, and become a part of the solution by being active within the NNA Legislative Committee and Safe Staffing Committee, who actively work to make change in Nevada. 

The more nurses we have participating the better we can represent YOU. We welcome everyone’s input to make the nursing profession better for you, the nurse, and your patients. Let’s keep advocating for solutions that work for all of us. 

Sincerely, 

Nevada Nurses Association