Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits a hospital from requiring a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse to work overtime as a condition of continued employment.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a hospital from requiring a nurse to work beyond the nurse's shift as a condition of continued employment except in certain urgent circumstances and during ongoing medical treatment or a surgical procedure (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this does not prohibit a nurse from requesting or offering to work overtime (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes hospitals to request or schedule a nurse to work overtime in any of the following circumstances (Sec. 1):

• There is a “health care disaster” that unexpectedly affects the hospital’s service area;

• A federal, state or county declaration of emergency is in effect; or

• An unpredictable influx of patients has occurred, requiring more personnel to be present.

Full Bill Text