RATIOS

AB 394 established specific numerical nurse-to-patient ratios for acute care, acute psychiatric, and specialty hospitals in California. The ratios are the maximum number of patients that may be assigned to an RN during one shift. The law requires additional RNs be assigned based on a documented patient classification system that measures patient needs and nursing care, including severity of illness and complexity of clinical need. The law also restricts assignment of unlicensed staff and nursing staff in hospital
​clinical areas where they do not have demonstrated competency, training, and orientation.