REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO REVIEW THE HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPACTS OF STAFFING PATTERNS AT DIALYSIS CENTERS.

WHEREAS, while many dialysis centers have eight- or ten-hour shifts for professional staff, there are also situations in which staff may be working twelve to fourteen hours on one shift; and

WHEREAS, the handling of patients at dialysis centers requires skilled and experienced staff who are able to give the work their full attention; and

WHEREAS, staff who work long hours may be tired and inattentive toward the end of very long periods and may be more prone to make mistakes; and

WHEREAS, while staffing patterns at dialysis centers are principally built around the uninterrupted time needed for dialysis, the growing shortages of skilled staff may dictate longer shifts or overtime hours to meet the needs of the center, and this raises serious questions about the health and safety of dialysis patients;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it express concern about the health and safety impacts of staffing patterns at dialysis centers that may leave staff tired, inattentive and more prone to mistakes that affect the health and safety of the patients; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health be requested to review the staffing patterns and length of shifts at dialysis centers in the state to determine whether the staffing is adversely impacting patient health or safety; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health report its findings and any recommendations to the appropriate legislative interim committee; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be given to the secretary of health and that the secretary distribute copies to all dialysis centers.