Bill > S1362

This bill aims to prohibit mandatory overtime for healthcare workers in various medical facilities across Massachusetts, with specific provisions to protect workers and patient safety. The legislation defines key terms such as "facility" (including hospitals, acute care units, and certain correctional medical units), "health care workforce" (including nurses, assistive personnel, and technical workers), and "mandatory overtime" (hours worked beyond a predetermined schedule, not exceeding 12 hours in a 24-hour period). The bill restricts facilities from requiring mandatory overtime except in emergency situations where patient safety is at risk, and even then, facilities must first attempt to find voluntary coverage. Healthcare workers cannot be required to work more than 16 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period and must receive at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time after such a shift. The Health Policy Commission is tasked with developing guidelines to define emergency situations, and facilities must report all instances of mandatory overtime. Importantly, the bill protects healthcare workers from discrimination or adverse employment actions if they refuse to work beyond the specified limitations, emphasizing that the legislation is intended to safeguard both public health and worker rights.

Health and Social Services, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1362