Legislature Poised to Act on Nurse Mandatory Overtime Bills

LATHAM, NY (06/19/2007)(readMedia)-- "Same as" bills banning mandatory overtime for nurses have been introduced in both houses of the New York State Legislature, making it possible for the measure to be passed before the end of session.

The bills (S.6342/A.1898B) would make it illegal for employers to force nurses to work overtime, except in specified, unusual emergency situations. The measure is designed to stop the use of mandatory overtime as a routine mechanism for maintaining nurse staffing.

A 2002 survey of New York registered nurses found that nearly half always or sometimes worked mandatory overtime. This finding was supported by a study published last year by the American Journal of Nursing, which found that 48% of registered nurses regularly work more than 12 hours a day and more than 40 hours a week, well beyond the recommended safety level.

The New York State Nurses Association, which first proposed the legislation, is urging passage of bills sponsored by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, RN, and State Senator Thomas Morahan.

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