Patient Movement Law to Protect Nursing Staffs

AUSTIN -- Hospitals and residential care facilities must adopt detailed procedures for the safe handling of patients by employees, under a new workplace law that took effect Jan. 1. The law, SB 1525, is designed to reduce the risk of injury to health care workers, who are in short supply in Texas. A bill analysis noted that Texas "suffers from a shortage of nurses in both hospitals and nursing homes. "This shortage could be partially addressed by instituting practices that will make the profession safer for nurses and patients." Creating "a better, safer practice environment for nurses an...