Assembly Passes Legislation To Prohibit Mandatory Overtime For Nurses, New York

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 14 Jun 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The New York State Assembly has passed legislation that would make it illegal for employers to require nurses to work overtime. The action was applauded by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), which had proposed and promoted the legislation. NYSNA thanks Assembly Member Aileen Gunther (D) for her leadership and support of this issue. The association also thanks Assembly Member John, Assembly Member Nolan, and Assembly Speaker Silver.

Research has shown that when nurses work mandatory overtime, patients are at greater risk for medical errors. In addition, nurses who are required to work overtime are more likely to develop injuries that take them out of the workforce and exacerbate the nursing shortage. Mandatory overtime also costs hospitals money in the form of increased nursing turnover.

The bill is on the State Senate calendar and nurses are urging Senators to approve it before the end of session. Similar legislation already exists in 11 other states.

With more than 34,000 members, NYSNA is the oldest and largest state nurses' association in the nation. It is an influential union for RNs, representing nurses in New York and New Jersey. Offering a wide range of services to its members, NYSNA fosters high standards of nursing education and practice and works to advance the profession through legislative activity. It is a constituent of the American Nurses Association and of the United American Nurses, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)
http://www.nysna.org