NYSNA asks state Senators O’Mara and Little: “Why did you vote ‘no’?”

Nurses union, advocates supported patient safety bill; placing in-district newspaper ads demanding an answer

NEW YORK CITY, July 2, 2012 - The New York State Nurses Association are asking state Senators Thomas O’Mara (R/C-Elmira) and state Senator Elizabeth Little (R/C/I - Plattsburgh) to explain their ‘no’ votes on the most important patient safety bill of the 2012 legislative session - the Safe Patient Handling bill.

The bill passed the Senate in its final session - with all Democrats voting in favor, and all Republicans voting in favor - except Little and O’Mara.

Half-page ads appeared Sunday in three papers in O’Mara's district - the Elmira Gazette, the Corning Leader and the Ithaca Journal.

A half-page ad will appear Wednesday in the Plattsburgh Press Republican in Little’s district.

“This bill had near unanimous support in the state Senate because it meant better care for patients and safer conditions for healthcare workers,” said Nancy Kaleda, the Deputy Director of the 37,000-member union. “The patients, families and caregivers in their districts all deserve an answer - why did the two senators vote against a bill that would make our area institutions safer?”

The effort to pass the bill in the Senate was spearheaded by state Senator George Maziarz (R/C/I/WFP - Lockport). He worked closely with state Senator Kemp Hannon (R/C/I-Nassau) and with Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R/C/I-Nassau).

NYSNA was disappointed that the state Assembly did not act on the bill. The union is sending postcards to NYSNA members in the districts of Assembly members who were strong advocates of this bill, urging the nurses to thank their Assembly person for their support.

Along with the widely-supported safe staffing bill which will be NYSNA’s major legislative push in the 2013 session, the safe patient handling bill remains a top priority for health care workers, workplace health and safety and patient advocates.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is New York’s largest professional association and union for registered nurses. The association represents registered nurses, and some all-professional bargaining units, in New York and New Jersey. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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