Requiring Nurse OT Could Mean Fines

Legislation awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature could lessen the mandatory overtime worked by area nurses — and lead to penalties paid by health care providers.

Among the bills passed in the final days of the legislative session was A.8874/S.8063. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner, D-Bronx, and Sen. Jessica Ramos, D-Jackson Heights, the legislation limits the length of time health care providers can require nurses to work overtime and impose monetary penalties for those violating the law.

Specifically, the legislation reinstates limitations on mandatory overtime to be three consecutive days after a disaster or 30 consecutive days after a declared emergency. A staffing emergency would not be able to include routine nurse staffing needs. The state Labor Department would be allowed to fine employers between $1,000 and $10,000 per violation when a nurse is required to work more than their scheduled work hours.

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