Nurse Overtime Limits: Enhancing Patient Safety
New rules aim to improve patient safety by limiting mandatory overtime for nurses. Hospitals and other medical facilities receiving Medicare payments will need to comply with these limits. This is intended to prevent staff fatigue and reduce the risk of medical errors.
Key points
Nurses cannot be forced to work more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period, 48 hours per week, or beyond their scheduled shift.
Exceptions are allowed for declared emergencies or disasters, but with limitations and requirements to attempt alternative staffing.
Nurses will be protected from termination or penalties for refusing mandatory overtime or reporting violations.
Medical facilities must inform nurses of their rights and post work schedules.
Financial penalties are foreseen for facilities that violate the provisions.
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