take into account patient acuity measures will improve the delivery of quality health care services and guarantee patient safety. (7) Establishing safe staffing standards for direct care registered nurses is a critical component of assuring that there is adequate hospital staffing at all levels to improve the delivery of quality care and protect patient safety. 2. Minimum direct care registered nurse staffing requirement (a) Minimum direct care registered nurse staffing requirements The Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new title: XXXIV MINIMUM DIRECT CARE REGISTERED NURSE STAFFING REQUIREMENT 3401. Minimum nurse staffing requirement (a) Staffing plan (1) In general A hospital shall implement a staffing plan that— (A) provides adequate, appropriate, and quality delivery of health care services and protects patient safety