Delivery of Patient Protection

Requires health care facilities to implement & maintain staffing plans; specifies minimum staffing levels for direct care registered nurses based on hospital or clinical unit setting; requires that patients be cared for only in hospital or clinical units that meet specified minimum staffing levels; prohibits health care facilities from using video cameras or monitors as substitute for direct observation; exempts health care facilities from minimum staffing level requirements during declared state of emergency; provides whistle-blower protections; creates cause of action; prohibits employers from taking actions with respect to employment for certain unionized staff.