American Nurses Association Backs Federal Bill to Curb Mandatory Overtime and Protect Patient Safety
Legislation sets common-sense limits on mandatory overtime while preserving nurses' choice to work additional hours
SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Association (ANA) announced its support for The Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act (S.5319, H.R.10056), federal legislation to restrict the use of mandatory overtime for nurses and strengthen safeguards that protect both nurses and patients. The bill was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Representatives Doris Matsui (D-California) and Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia).
Representing the nation's more than 5 million nurses, ANA has long warned that mandatory overtime compromises safety at the bedside. The legislation would set clear limits on mandatory overtime while preserving nurses' ability to work additional hours voluntarily. Importantly, the bill would also protect nurses from retaliation, require facilities to develop and post overtime policies and nurse schedules by unit, provide for federally-declared emergencies, and calls for further study of standards for safe-working-hours and the strategic use of mandatory overtime.
“Senator Merkley and Representatives Matsui and Kiggans understand what's at stake: patient safety starts with nurse safety," said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, president of the American Nurses Association. "Mandatory overtime is not a staffing strategy. It is a symptom of systemic workforce challenges that put nurses in impossible positions and increase risk at the bedside through physical fatigue and burnout. ANA supports federal action that sets clear limits, strengthens protections for nurses who speak up, and helps create the safe work environments nurses and patients deserve.”
ANA will continue working with policymakers and partners to advance solutions that support nurse well-being, improve retention, and strengthen patient safety nationwide, including protections for how many hours a nurse is required to work unless personally electing to take on additional shifts.
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About the American Nurses Association
As the preeminent organization representing more than 5 million nurses, the American Nurses Association stands at the forefront of advancing nursing excellence. The association harnesses The Power of Nurses® to champion the profession and drive transformation in healthcare. Through legislative and political advocacy, comprehensive educational services, and the profession’s leading Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards, the association empowers nurses across every specialty and practice setting. The association is committed to ensuring healthy work environments, shaping pioneering policies, and cultivating partnerships that enhance both the nursing profession and the broader healthcare experience.
MEDIA CONTACT: newsroom@ana.org