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Bill 19, Patient-to-Nurse Ratios for Hospitals Act, 2025

Gélinas, France

West, Jamie

Current status:

First Reading Ordered for Second Reading

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Original

Bill 19 Original (PDF)

EXPLANATORY

NOTE

The

Bill amends the Health Protection and Promotion Act

by adding a new

section 9.1.

Section 9.1 sets out maximum patient-to-nurse

ratios that the Ministry of Health shall ensure are not exceeded.

Bill 19 2025

Act to amend the Health Protection and Promotion Act with respect to maximum

patient-to-nurse ratios

His

Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the

Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Part II of the Health Protection and Promotion Act

is amended by adding the following section:

Maximum

patient-to-nurse ratios

9.1

(1) The

Ministry of Health shall ensure that the ratio of patients to nurses does not

exceed the following:

1. A

patient-to-nurse ratio of 1-to-1 for critical care patients on ventilators.

2. A

patient-to-nurse ratio of 2-to-1 for,

i. critical

care patients not on ventilators, and

ii. highly

dependent patients who need mental health care.

3. A

patient-to-nurse ratio of 3-to-1 for specialized care.

4. A

patient-to-nurse ratio of 4-to-1 for inpatient and palliative care.

5. A

patient-to-nurse ratio of 5-to-1 for rehabilitative care other than on night

shifts.

6. A

patient-to-nurse ratio of 7-to-1 for rehabilitative care on night shifts.

Same

(2) The

mix of nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses

shall be as prescribed by the regulations.

Commencement

This Act comes into force on the day that is 12 months after the day this Act

receives Royal Assent.

Short

title

The

short title of this Act is the Patient-to-Nurse Ratios

for Hospitals Act, 2025 .

Date Bill stage Event Outcome Committee

May 13, 2025

First Reading

Ordered for Second Reading

May 13, 2025

First Reading

Vote

Carried

First Reading

May 13, 2025

Carried

Ordered for Second Reading