To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for patient protection by limiting the number of mandatory overtime hours a nurse may be required to work in certain providers of services to which payments are made under the Medicare Program.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · August 6, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill limits mandatory overtime for nurses at Medicare-participating healthcare facilities to protect patient safety. Nurses cannot be required to work beyond their scheduled shift, more than 48 hours per week, or more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period, and must have a 10-hour rest period after a 12-hour shift. The restrictions apply to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and licensed vocational nurses at hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and other Medicare providers. Exceptions exist during declared emergencies or disasters when facilities have made reasonable efforts to fill staffing gaps through other means. The bill includes whistleblower protections preventing retaliation against nurses who refuse mandatory overtime or report violations, civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation for non-compliant providers, and requires facilities to post schedules and overtime policies. Two studies are mandated: one examining safe working hour standards for nurses (due within 2 years) and another reviewing overtime practices at federal medical facilities (due within 6 months). The requirements take effect one year after enactment.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.