§ 19-377. General consideration.

   (a) "Safe patient lifting" defined. -- In this section, "safe patient lifting" means the use of mechanical lifting devices by hospital employees, instead of manual lifting, to lift, transfer, and reposition patients.

(b) Committees established by hospitals. -- On or before December 1, 2007, each hospital shall establish a safe patient lifting committee with equal membership from management and employees.

(c) Policy. --

   (1) On or before July 1, 2008, the safe patient lifting committee shall develop a safe patient lifting policy for the hospital.

   (2) The goal of the policy shall be to reduce employee injuries associated with patient lifting.

(d) Considerations. -- While developing a safe patient lifting policy, the committee shall consider, based on the patient population of that hospital, the appropriateness and effectiveness of:

   (1) Developing or enhancing patient handling hazard assessment processes;

   (2) Enhanced use of mechanical lifting devices;

   (3) Developing specialized lift teams;

   (4) Training programs for safe patient lifting required for all patient care personnel at the hospital;

   (5) Incorporating physical space and construction design for mechanical lifting devices in any architectural plans for hospital construction or renovation; and

   (6) Developing an evaluation process to determine the effectiveness of the policy.

HISTORY: 2007, chs. 56, 57.