Massachusetts § 231 - Limitation on patient assignments per nurse in intensive care units; development and certification of acuity tool
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 231 — Limitation on patient assignments per nurse in intensive care units; development and certification of acuity tool, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 231. Limitation on patient assignments per nurse in intensive care units; development and certification of acuity tool
Section 231. For the purposes of this section, the term ''intensive care units'' shall have the same meaning as defined in 105 CMR 130.020 and shall include intensive care units within a hospital operated by the commonwealth.
Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, in all intensive care units the patient assignment for the registered nurse shall be 1:1 or 1:2 depending on the stability of the patient as assessed by the acuity tool and by the staff nurses in the unit, including the nurse manager or the nurse manager's designee when needed to resolve a disagreement.
The acuity tool shall be developed or chosen by each hospital in consultation with the staff nurses and other appropriate medical staff and shall be certified by the department. The health policy commission shall promulgate regulations governing the implementation and operation of this section including: the formulation of an acuity tool; the method of reporting to the public on staffing compliance in hospital intensive care units; and the identification of 3 to 5 related patient safety quality indicators, which shall be measured and reported by hospitals to the public.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 231
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 231 cover?
Section 231 ("Limitation on patient assignments per nurse in intensive care units; development and certification of acuity tool") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 231?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 231" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 231 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.