Provides for an extender of 2 years for the safe patient handling demonstration program

BILL NUMBER:A8045A

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 738 of the laws of 2005, relat- ing to establishing a safe patient handling demonstration program, in relation to the effectiveness thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

To extend for an additional two years the demonstration program to research the effect of safe patient handl- ing programs in health care facilities across New York State.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would extend for an addi- tional two years the study to establish safe patient handling programs throughout the state to build upon existing evidence-based data, with the ultimate goal of designing a "best" practice for safe patient handl- ing in New York State health care facilities. The bill also establishes specifications for safe patient handling programs.

Justification

Nursing is among occupations whose personnel suffer from the highest risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Research has determined the extent of MSDs on the American nursing work- force is significant.

*52% report chronic back pain.

*20% of RNs transfer to different units because of lower back pain.

*12% have left the nursing profession.

*38% have suffered occupation related back pain severe enough to require a leave of absence.

There is no safe way to manually lift a physically dependent adult patient. Nurses have been taught to counteract physical stress associ- ated with patient handling by applying principles of body mechanics. These recommendations were based on studies using static loads with men doing the lifting. Furthermore, these methods primarily concentrate on the lower back for lifting and do not accommodate for other vulnerable parts of the body.

Prior legislative history

Chapter 131 of the Laws of 2007.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediate.