Maine and MOT

I've heard that the Maine legislature has passed and the Governor has signed into law a Bill that limits Mandatory Overtime... ant down easter's have any information on this?

[CaronRN58]

Here's the info:

Short Title: AN ACT TO AMEND THE STATE'S OVERTIME LAW

BILL STATUS SUMMARY

Last House Action: 06/07/2001 Passed to be Enacted. Sent for concurrence Ordered sent forthwith.

Last Senate Action: 06/08/2001 PASSED TO BE ENACTED

Governor Action: 06/13/2001 Signed by the Governor

Chapter: 401 Public Law

CaronRN58

[PeggyOhio]

Yippey! Yay! Way to go Maine!!!!!!

The precedent is set for the remaining 49 to follow. What good news!!

Can't wait to take this to work! What a burden lifted off the shoulders of nurses!

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

They did pass the legislation but it contains a clause that the law against MOT does not apply in an emergency situation. Who decides what is an emergency? Is the need to close beds due to low staff an emergency? If the hospital chooses it can declare an emergency anytime. Does anyone have more information on the bill?

[CaronRN58]

Here's a summary of Maine bill LD 1082:"AN ACT TO AMEND THE STATE'S OVERTIME LAW" as passed and signed by the Govenor.

SUMMARY:

This amendment replaces the bill. It provides that a nurse

may not be disciplined for refusing to work more than 12

consecutive hours, unless an unforeseen emergent circumstance

occurs and the overtime is required as a last resort to ensure

patient safety. If overtime is required in such a circumstance,

the nurse must be given at least 10 consecutive hours off duty

immediately following the overtime. This provision does not

apply in an emergency declared by the Governor, or when necessary

to protect the public health or safety outside the normal course

of business.

CaronRN58