New York is the next in line to promote legislation aimed at regulating the patient handling process.  The regulation is being cited as the “safe patient handling act”.  The regulators maintain that the main benefits to be derived from safe Patient Handling Programs are improved quality of care and quality of life by reducing the risk of falls, being dropped, friction burns, skin tears and bruises.  Caregivers benefit from the reduced risk of career ending and debilitting injuries leading to increased morale, improved job statisfaction and longevity in the profession.  The proponents of the bill maintain that health care facilities realize a quick return on their investment through reduced workers’ compensation medical and indemnity costs, reduced lost workdays and improved recruitment and retention of caregivers.  All of this is predicted to lead to fiscal improvement in the health care.