Both proponents and opponents of Question 1 say that they are not dissuaded by the cost of implementation — be it higher or lower than projected.
Jim Braude moderated a debate between both sides of the Question1 ballot question which would put a patient limit on nurses Tuesday night.
Braude was joined by Judith Shindul-Rothschild, associated professor at Boston College Connell School of Nursing who supports “Yes on 1”, and Kim Stevenson, research manager at the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association who is part of the “No on 1” campaign.
Shindul-Rothschild said that Question 1 would end up costing at least $150 million, but would be well worth the cost even if it were higher.
It’s not about the cost, Question 1 would impose ratios that are too rigid for the complex nursing system, Stevenson said.
Among the issues the two sides dramatically disagreed on was the issue of nurse staffing. Stevenson said that there are not enough nurses, while Shindul-Rothschild said that Massachusetts is the most difficult state to get hired as a nurse.
The general election is on Nov. 6.
