David Kibbe, New Bedford Standard-Times, July 18, 2008 Boston - Legislation that would set mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios at Massachusetts hospitals is facing certain defeat in the Senate for a second straight legislative session. The Senate passed a substitute bill by a vote of 23-13 Thursday night that does not set nurse ratios, but does offer other protections, including a restriction on mandatory overtime. The nurses' union, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, said it was outraged by the Senate bill, because it would still allow hospital executives to decide staffing levels. ... Nursing