On Monday, February 8, all California staffing ratio waivers will expire. The Department of Health Services (DHS) ratios are back.
Ending the waivers has been a top goal of UNAC/UHCP, and the key to our legislative and regulatory efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working to ensure you have all the necessary tools to provide safe patient care. The expiration of waivers is a turning point in our fight against COVID-19. We are not out of the woods yet; hospitalization numbers must continue to decline.
Please reach out to your local officers or staff representative if you believe your unit is out of ratio after Monday, February 8. There are narrow, limited circumstances where a 60-day waiver may be granted but UNAC/UHCP will remain vigilant to ensure hospitals are not abusing the waiver process.
UNAC/UHCP, along with other unions and organizations, has been pushing the state to discontinue the waivers and sharing information about the negative impact on patient care and caregivers on the front line. We recognize Governor Newsom for listening to us and responding swiftly as soon as numbers decreased to return to our landmark state ratios.