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Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R) on Wednesday signed legislation aimed at ensuring adequate nurse staffing levels in the state's hospitals, the Meriden Record-Journal reports. The new law requires all licensed Connecticut hospitals by July 1, 2009, to provide the Department of Public Health with a detailed nurse staffing plan outlining how the facility plans to provide "adequate and appropriate nursing services in the ensuing licensing period." In addition, the law stipulates that, in creating its plan, each hospital must form a committee in which at least half of the members are nurses whose primary responsibility is direct patient care. Rell expects the plans to help officials pinpoint opportunities to improve care quality and efficiency, adding that it "puts common sense to work to make sure our health care system is doing its job, now and in the future." (Kurz, Meriden Record-Journalcite>, 6/11/08; Governor's office release, 6/11/08)