KP-CNA Bargaining Update #15

Today, Kaiser Permanente and the California Nurses Association (CNA) met for the 15th day of contract negotiations.

What happened

• Kaiser Permanente proposed contract language that will ensure nurse participation in discussing implementation, roll out, and training involving a new patient classification system.
• The union presented a proposal to increase hospital nurse staffing by one additional “out of the count” nurse per shift per hospital.

For the record

In June, we informed the union that we will replace GRASP, our patient classification system from the 1980s, with Epic Acuity. Epic Acuity is an efficient system that accurately reflects the care provided and uses clinical information directly from KP HealthConnect. This aligns with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which allows Kaiser Permanente to implement new technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care.

We value the input of our nurses. We have proposed contract language to provide nurse representatives paid time to discuss and review the new system’s user features, roll out, training, escalation processes for concerns, and to evaluate the need for an oversight committee to monitor the system going forward.

What comes next

Bargaining is scheduled to continue Thursday, Sept. 7. We will continue to keep you informed.