Casey Newton, Arizona Republic, February 13, 2009 Valley nurses hit the Capitol on Thursday to ask for mandated nurse-to-patient ratios that they say would increase patient safety. About 60 RNs lobbied for House Bill 2186, which would ensure a nurse was not assigned to more than five patients anywhere in the hospital as well as establish protections for whistle-blowers who expose unsafe conditions. The bill's sponsor, Representative Phil Lopes, said the legislation would improve patient care. "We've got way too many people going to the hospital and getting sick from things they did not come to the hospital with," said Lopes, a Tucson Democrat. ... Valley