NURSING CARE & QUALITY IMPROV Senate SponsorsSen. Iris Y. Martinez-Jacqueline Y. Collins-Kimberly A. Lightford 1/9/2007SenateSession Sine Die New ActCreates the Nursing Care and Quality Improvement Act. Provides that each hospital shall implement a staffing plan that (i) provides adequate, appropriate, and quality delivery of health care services, (ii) protects patient safety, and (iii) is consistent with the requirements of the Act. Sets forth the minimum direct care registered nurse-to-patient ratios required in a unit of a hospital during each shift in that unit. Sets forth development and reevaluation requirements for the staffing plan. Prohibits a hospital from discharging, discriminating, or retaliating in any manner with respect to any aspect of employment against a nurse based on the nurse's refusal of a work assignment under certain conditions or against a nurse or any individual, who, in good faith, reports a violation of the Act, initiates, cooperates, or otherwise participates in an investigation or proceeding under the Act, or informs or discusses with other individuals or with representatives of hospital employees a violation or suspected violation of the Act. Sets forth penalties for violation of the Act. 1/12/2006SenateFiled with Secretary by Sen. Iris Y. Martinez 1/12/2006SenateFirst Reading 1/12/2006SenateReferred to Rules 2/2/2006SenateAdded as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Jacqueline Y. Collins 2/8/2006SenateAssigned to Health & Human Services 2/14/2006SenateAdded as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford 2/16/2006SenateTo Subcommittee 2/17/2006SenateRule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Rules 1/9/2007SenateSession Sine Die