State legislation is critical to address nursing shortages, restrictions on practice, and equitable health for all patients. Here EBP will highlight current bills that have been introduced at the state level, how they would impact healthcare and nursing practice, as well as ways to use your voice to push this legislation forward (if it is beneficial)

Hawaii

S.B. 424 | H.B. 1244 : "RELATING TO LABOR STANDARDS A T HEALTH CARE FACILITIES"

• This legislation, introduced to the Hawaii State legislature on 1/16/25 would set mandatory minimum nurse to patient ratios and protecting patient safety. 
• The bill sets ratios for multiple inpatient units and specialties
• If passed and signed into law, Hawaii would be the third state with safe staffing laws, after California and Oregon​
• The ratios are as follows: 1 nurse to __ patients

• Emergency: 1:1 critical; 1:5 non-critical (average of 1:4 or less over a 12 hour shift)
• Intensive Care: 1:1-2
• Labor & Delivery: 1:1-2 non-active labor, 1:1 active labor
  

• Postpartum/ antepartum/ well-baby: 1:6 (where each mother and baby are counted individually)
• Operating: 1:1
  
• ​Post Anesthesia: 1:2
  

• Progressive Care: 1:3
• Med-Surg: 1:4
  
• Telemetry: 1:3
  
• Psychiatric: 1:4
  
• Pediatrics: 1:3
  

Take Action:

• The bill has been referred to committees in both the house and senate, and has support from the three largest nursing unions in Hawaii
• Read the text of the bill here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/HB1244_.pdf​
• Live in Hawaii? Find Your Representative and State Senator Here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/