Pennsylvania bans mandatory overtime for nurses
Pennsylvania has become the latest state to ban the practice of mandatory overtime for nurses at healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and hospitals.The Keystone State joins 15 others in banning mandatory overtime, including New York, which recently banned overtime. Under the new law, nurses cannot be required to work more than a 12-hour shift, though they will be able to do so voluntarily. Like the New York legislation, there are exceptions to the rule, such as in the event of a natural disaster or other unforeseen emergency.
Gov. Ed Rendell (D) is expected to sign legislation into law this week. The overtime ban will take effect on July 1, 2009. State legislators hope this window will give healthcare facilities the time needed to hire additional staff to compensate for the fewer hours worked.
