Safe Staffing Law Implementation is Underway: We’re Making Progress!

As members of WSNA, UFCW 3000, and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW united in our WA Safe + Healthy coalition, we are actively engaged in ensuring the implementation timeline for our safe staffing law continues as outlined under the new legislation. Implementation began January 4, 2024 and will continue in phases until hospitals submit final staffing plans to the Department of Health on January 1, 2025.

Implementation timeline in full bulletin

What happens if we don’t have our charter completed by July 1?

Each committee should continue working on the charter and submit it to the Department of Health as soon as possible. We can also file complaints with the Department of Health, if necessary.

What happens after we submit our plan to the CEO?

• The CEO (or their designee) must provide written feedback to the hospital staffing committee on the proposed plan.
• The hospital staffing committee will then identify the elements of the plan that need to be changed.
• The committee reviews and considers any feedback prior to approving by a 50% plus 1 vote on a revised staffing plan to provide to the CEO.

Can the CEO veto our staffing plan and submit their own plan?

No. The CEO (or designee) must provide written feedback on the draft staffing plan. If the hospital doesn’t adopt the staffing plan voted on by the staffing committee, then the most recent plan remains in effect (either the plan from 1/1/23 or the last plan approved by a 50% plus 1 vote).

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Effective July 1: New Meal and Rest Breaks Law

Starting July 1, 2024, employers are required to track missed breaks and follow new laws for the job classes listed in the full bulletin.

Learn your rights in the full bulletin