California Bill Would Ban Mandatory Overtime for Nurses

In early June, the California state senate approved legislation that bans mandatory overtime for nurses and other health-care workers who are not executive, overtime, or professional personnel. The only exceptions are in cases of federal, state or local emergencies. The bill passed by the slimmest of margins and was called a "victory for patient safety" by the California Nurses Association. However, overtime hours can still be mandated for special types of nurses, such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. The bill is now being considered by the state assembly. Similar bills are in the works in other states, and Congress is currently considering a federal version.

From the June 13, 2001 issue of Patient Safety Monitor