Petition Summary:

Pennsylvania has more than 19,000 people depending on dialysis for survival every week. Dialysis centers operate with minimal state oversight, and staffing levels vary widely, often leaving dialysis technicians overwhelmed and patients at risk. Without enforceable staffing standards, patient safety, treatment quality, and technician well‑being are compromised.

We urge Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass legislation requiring a minimum ratio of 1 dialysis caregiver for every 4 patients actively receiving treatment a standard already proposed in bills such as Pennsylvania House Bill 475 (2025‑2026 session) . This ratio helps ensure safe, properly monitored treatments, reduces errors, and protects both patients and staff.

What We Are Asking For:

We call on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to:

1. Adopt a mandatory dialysis staffing ratio of 1 caregiver per 4 patients, including dialysis technicians, nurses, and trained dialysis personnel.
2. Increase oversight and reporting requirements for dialysis centers.
3. Ensure enforcement and accountability through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
4. Protect patient safety and technician well‑being by preventing dangerous understaffing.

Why This Matters:

• Dialysis patients are medically fragile and require constant monitoring.
• Understaffed facilities increase the risk of complications, infections, and medical errors.
• Technicians are responsible for maintaining equipment, responding to emergencies, and monitoring vital signs — tasks that cannot be  safely done when overloaded.
• Pennsylvania requires staffing ratios in other healthcare settings—dialysis patients deserve the same protections.

Who Is Affected:

• Dialysis patients whose lives depend on timely intervention during treatment.
• Dialysis technicians, nurses, and caregivers who are experiencing burnout from chronic understaffing.
• Families who trust dialysis centers to provide safe care. 

What We Want Lawmakers to Do:

Support and advance legislation such as Pennsylvania House Bill 475 (2025‑2026 session) that mandates safe staffing ratios for dialysis care statewide. Pennsylvania should lead the nation in ensuring safe, ethical, and quality treatment for all dialysis patients.

Sign this petition if you believe every dialysis patient deserves safe, properly staffed care — and that dialysis caregivers deserve the support they need to save lives.