Mandatory Overtime Prohibited for Nurses

Massachusetts hospitals cannot force nurse overtime now. The law protects worker health. It also protects patient safety. ƈenterprise parent? not needed. The main rule applies unless an emergency happens. Nurses can still accept extra hours. But they must choose it freely.

Core Rules for Shifts and Rest

A nurse can work up to 16 hours in 24 hours. Then, the hospital must give 8 hours of rest. Leaders cannot punish a nurse for refusing extra hours. So, refusals cannot trigger discipline. This ensures safer schedules. Also, it lowers burnout risks. As a result, nurses keep stable work plans.

Union Nurse Exceptions

Union nurses may follow different terms. However, those terms depend on a valid Collective Bargaining Agreement. Still, job safety rules remain. So, workers must read each deal carefully. Yet, emergency limits still apply.

Health Policy Guidelines Coming

The law created the Health Policy Commission. This body will draft nurse safety guidance. Updates will continue as the policies finish.

Why This Decision Matters

This ruling improves nurse health protections. It builds safer patient care too. Also, it gives families income stability. Most nurses now avoid mandatory overtime pressure. So, their schedules become clearer. In short, stable hours help homes plan better.