S2278

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring hospitals to include a registered professional nurse as a voting member of their governing bodies, with a vote of 38-15. Sponsored by Sen. Webb, Senate Print 2278 would mandate nurse representation on hospital boards responsible for strategic planning, systems, and policies. Webb argued that nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, bring essential clinical perspective to decisions affecting staffing, quality of care, and patient safety—expertise that has historically been excluded from hospital governance. "They deserve a seat at the table," Webb said, noting the bill recognizes nurses as the backbone of the healthcare system. Fifteen senators voted against the measure, including Ashby, Borrello, Chan, Gallivan, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Ortt, Palumbo, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Walczyk, and Weik. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.