But State Assemblyman Robin L. Schimminger, D-Kenmore, does not believe the state should tell nursing homes and hospitals how to run their operations.

“I think staffing should always be safe, but do I think that Albany should dictate staffing in hospitals and nursing homes by a one-size-fits-all formulation? Then no, I do not support such a dictate from Albany,” he said.

In addition to questioning how the requirement would be funded, Schimminger said the proposed legislation does not adequately take into account the varying levels of patient and resident needs at hospitals and nursing homes.

“The community-based hospitals and nursing homes are in the best position to ensure safe staff, not big brother in Albany,” Schimminger said.

Helen Schaub, an official with Local 1199 of the SEIU, which represents 40,000 nursing home workers in the state, said union members face unrealistic workloads and are frustrated that they cannot provide the quality care they know residents require.