Mandatory overtime and on-call time for health care workers
Bill Number:
AB152
WCA Position:
Opposed
Bill Title:
Mandatory overtime and on-call time for health care workers
Bill Author:
Rep. Pasch et. al.
Introduction Date:
04/01/2009
Bill URL:
The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) opposes Assembly Bill 152, relating to mandatory overtime hours and on-call time worked by health care workers.
Supporting Memos:
TO: Honorable Members of the Assembly Committee on Health and Healthcare Reform
FROM: Sarah Diedrick-Kasdorf, Senior Legislative Associate
DATE: April 1, 2009
SUBJECT: Opposition to Assembly Bill 152
The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) opposes Assembly Bill 152, relating to mandatory overtime hours and on-call time worked by health care workers.
Wisconsin’s counties operate several health care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals and mental health centers, adult family homes and assisted living facilities, as well as provide health care services in our county jails and houses of correction.
In speaking with several counties about this legislation, managers of county facilities use mandatory overtime as a last resort; in other words, mandatory overtime is required only if no other employee volunteered to work the shift and contracted staff was not available.
If facilities are prohibited from mandating overtime, care for residents will be compromised, and facilities risk federal and state citations for falling below minimum staffing requirements.
Although Assembly Bill 152 makes significant changes to previous versions of the bill, the Wisconsin Counties Association continues to oppose such legislation at this time.
Thank you for considering our comments.