; (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (Y) and inserting , and ; and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (Y) the following new subparagraph: (Z) in the case of a hospital (as defined in section 1861(e)), to meet the requirements of section 1899C. . (b) Requirements Title XVIII of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1899C. Nurse staffing requirements for Medicare participating hospitals (a) Implementation of nurse staffing plan (1) In general Subject to paragraph (3), each participating hospital shall implement a hospital-wide staffing plan for nursing services furnished in the hospital. (2) Requirement for development of staffing plan by hospital nurse staffing committee The hospital-wide staffing plan for nursing services implemented by a hospital pursuant to paragraph (1)— (A) shall be developed by the hospital nurse staffing committee established under subsection (b); and (B) shall require that an appropriate number of registered nurses provide direct patient care in each unit and on each shift of the hospital to ensure staffing levels that— (i) address the unique characteristics of the patients and hospital units