Limiting the hours nurses can work

jade4868

I represent an entity that employes nurses (both registered and LPNs). My employer is concerned that, even though its nurses may have worked 40-50 hours in a week for it, on their off hours, they also work for another employer or are engaged privately. This employer is in Illinois. I am aware that, in 2001, legislation was introduced in Congress to limit the number of "mandatory overtime" hours an employer who receives Medicare funds may require nurses to work (and that, even though the bill was referred to committees in both the House and the Senate, no further action has been taken on that legislation), and that some states have enacted similar laws. However, is anyone aware of legislation, or any other proposals, which would limited the number of hours a nurse is "allowed" to work, based on patient safety or similar public policy concerns?

deniseE

How would you know the number of hours a nurse is moonlighting?? Do you have a policy in place requiring that he/she shares this information with you?

This seems to be the first step in making sure the total number of hours worked is reasonable and ensures patient safety.