An act relating to prohibiting mandatory overtime for nurses

This bill prohibits hospitals and long-term care facilities in Vermont from requiring nurses to work mandatory overtime beyond their scheduled shifts, except during declared emergencies, ongoing medical procedures, or unforeseen disasters. It defines "mandatory overtime" as work exceeding agreed-upon shifts (max 12 hours in 24 hours or 48 hours in a workweek) and requires employers to first seek voluntary staff or agency nurses before mandating overtime. Employers must report all mandatory overtime instances to the Vermont Department of Health within 30 days, including justification and good-faith efforts to avoid it, and must provide nurses with at least 10 consecutive hours off duty after working extended shifts. The law applies to registered and licensed practical nurses directly providing patient care in covered facilities.