My co blogger Heather found stuff about mandated ratios: Which states actually have them and those that do not. Interesting list and I am shocked to see so few among the 50:
http://nursingassistants.net/2008/01/26/staffing-ratios-each-state/
Also she looked up each states' break requirements; did you know most states don't require non meal breaks be given to employees? The federal government allows each state to determine these things and doesn't mandate such things. Meal breaks are another thing, but even here most states don't require them.
http://nursingassistants.net/2008/01/26/breaks-state-laws/