NURSING CARE & QUALITY IMP House SponsorsRep. Mary E. Flowers-Harry Osterman-Linda Chapa LaVia 1/11/2005HouseSession Sine Die New Act Creates the Nursing Care and Quality Improvement Act. Provides that, by January 1, 2004, the Department of Public Health shall adopt rules that establish minimum, specific, and numerical registered nurse-to-patient ratios by registered nurse classification and by hospital unit for all hospitals. Provides that no registered nurse shall be assigned to a nursing unit or clinical area unless that nurse has first received orientation in that clinical area sufficient to provide competent care to patients in that area and has demonstrated current competence in providing care in that area. Provides that each hospital shall be responsible for the development and implementation of a written hospital-wide staffing plan for nursing services. Provides for civil penalties or disciplinary action on a hospital's license for violation of the Act. Provides that revenues collected under the Act be allocated to the Department of Public Health for nursing scholarships awarded pursuant to the Nursing Education Scholarship Law. Effective immediately. 2/20/2003HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Mary E. Flowers 2/20/2003HouseFirst Reading 2/20/2003HouseReferred to Rules Committee 2/20/2003HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Harry Osterman 2/21/2003HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia 2/26/2003HouseAssigned to Health Care Availability and Access Committee 3/5/2003HouseMotion Do Pass - Lost Health Care Availability and Access Committee; 006-011-003 3/5/2003HouseRemains in Health Care Availability and Access Committee 3/13/2003HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee 1/11/2005HouseSession Sine Die