Full Citation

Title: The Labor Market Effects of Californias Minimum Nurse Staffing Law

Citation Type: Miscellaneous

Publication Year: 2011

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Abstract: In 2004, California became the first state to implement statewide minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. This paper examines the effects of this legislation on labor market outcomes for registered nurses(RNs). Using annual financial data from California hospitals, I find that nurse-to-patient ratios increased in California hospitals following the staffing mandate. However, individual-level survey data indicate that the law had no effect on the total number of RNs in California hospitals, or theirhours and wages. My findings suggest that hospitals met staffing requirements by hiring nurses from recently closed hospitals and shifting nurses from management and supervision into direct patient care.

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Authors: Munnich, Elizabeth L.

Publisher: University of Notre Dame

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Health, Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Other

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