Some lawmakers say the state Department of Health needs to put minimum staffing levels in place at both hospitals and nursing homes.
Legislation was passed earlier this year requiring the health department to look into the issue, and a report is due by the end of the year.
Nurses statewide are claiming they're being overworked due to low staffing levels -- and say the health and safety of patients could be at risk.
Opponents of minimum staffing requirements say there are other ways to keep patients safe without the government putting inflexible ratios in place.