South Shore Chamber of Commerce opposed to Nov. 6th ballot Question 1

ROCKLAND, Mass. - Oct. 10, 2018 - PRLog -- The South Shore Chamber of Commerce is going on record in opposition to the Nov. 6^th ballot Question 1 "Patient-to-Nurse Limits."

If passed the proposed law would limit the number of patients assigned to each registered nurse in Massachusetts hospitals and certain other health care facilities.

"The question sets a rigid staffing standard for all hospitals, in all units, at all times," said Peter Forman, President & CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.  "It is an unworkable, one-size-fits-all system that imposes heavy fines, and limits the ability of doctors, nurses and hospitals to make decisions on how to care for patients; the implications for services in and outside of hospitals should concern every citizen."

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce, a staunch supporter of a strong healthcare system for the region, is concerned that the "astronomic cost" of the proposed law, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, will force hospitals to reduce some levels of care and community services.

"The impact on our area hospitals would be significant," said Forman.  "Annual costs for the South Shore Health system would be as high as $33 million, $7 million for Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Milton and $5 million at Beth Israel Deaconess in Plymouth."

The law, said Forman, would also be "devastating" to healthcare delivered outside of hospitals, as nurses would be drained from settings such as home care, senior care, and mental health treatment at a time when "treatment for mental health and opioid addiction is needed more than ever."

"We are speaking up for patients, employers and local businesses that simply cannot afford the ramifications of this proposed law," said Forman.

About the South Shore Chamber of Commerce

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce has long been recognized throughout the state as one of the most active and forceful advocates for the business community and numbers among the larger Chambers of Commerce nationally. The South Shore Chamber is a not-for-profit association of businesses in the communities south of Boston. It is committed to helping its members grow their businesses and to improve the business climate in the region. Members range in size from major international corporations headquartered on the South Shore to small local firms and sole proprietorships. For additional information on the Chamber, please visit www.southshorechamber.org or call 781-421-3900.