§ 2890. Policy and purposes of article. It is hereby declared that the
recruitment, training, availability and proper performance of nursing
service personnel in hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies
are matters of vital concern to the public health. Shortages and
improper utilization of nursing service resources result in neglect of
the health needs of sick, injured, disabled, infirm and invalid persons,
and improper performance of nursing services. In order to provide for
the protection and promotion of the health of the inhabitants of the
state, the department of health shall have the central, comprehensive
responsibility for the development and administration of the state's
policy with respect to nursing service and the utilization of nursing
service manpower resources by hospitals, nursing homes and home health
agencies.