Limits on Maximum Hours Worked

[elcue]

greetings, all.

our clinical practice council has received from administration a draft of a proposed policy which, in the interest of safety, will limit the number of hours worked in 24 hours, in 7 days, and in a 2-week pay period. "guidelines for reducing error-producing fatigue" it also establishes a minimum number of non-worked hours prior to beginning any shift.

this policy requires inclusion of hours worked at another facility in calculating an employee's placement within one of the three "safety zones".

personally, i think this is a long overdue safety measure and i am tickled that we are finally addressing this. i believe our proposed guidelines are still too liberal - the cautionary zone doesn't begin until 19 hours worked in 24, and doesn't prohibit continued work until 20 hours are reached in a 24 hour period. but it is a start, and this is still a draft.

so...do any of you have similar guidelines in your institutions?? i'd appreciate feedback. thanks. linda