A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act seeks to amend the Social Security Act to protect patients by limiting mandatory overtime for nurses. It prohibits healthcare providers receiving Medicare payments from requiring nurses to work beyond a scheduled shift, more than 48 hours a week, or more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period. The bill establishes exceptions for declared emergencies or disasters under specific conditions. It also includes whistleblower protections, nondiscrimination provisions, and requirements for providers to post policies and schedules. Additionally, the Act mandates studies to establish safe working hour standards and to review overtime practices in federally operated medical facilities.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +6
Would union members be better off under this?
The bill provides strong protections against retaliation for nurses refusing mandatory overtime.
- Scored +5
Does this help veterans get medical care?
The bill mandates a specific study on overtime practices in federally operated medical facilities including the VA.
- Scored +5
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
Improving patient safety through reduced nurse fatigue can improve the quality of care access.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill imposes new labor restrictions and potential civil money penalties on healthcare providers.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Patient Safety: The bill aims to improve patient safety by addressing nurse fatigue, poor sleep quality, and lack of alertness which can lead to medical errors (Section 2).
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Nurse Protections against Overwork: Providers are prohibited from requiring nurses to work in excess of a previously scheduled shift, more than 48 hours in a workweek, or more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period (Section 3(a)(1)(A)).
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Job Security and Fair Treatment: The act provides protections against retaliation, stating that a provider cannot terminate, penalize, or discriminate against a nurse for refusing mandatory overtime or reporting violations (Section 3(a)(4)).
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Whistleblower Rights: Nurses are granted the right to file complaints with the Secretary regarding violations of these overtime provisions (Section 3(a)(3)(A)).
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Transparency in Scheduling: Providers are required to regularly post nurse schedules and must develop clear, written policies regarding mandatory overtime (Section 3(a)(5)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Reduced Staffing Flexibility during Emergencies: While there are exceptions, a provider's ability to require overtime during a declared emergency or disaster is subject to specific limitations and must meet strict criteria (Section 3(a)(2)).
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Potential Impact on Service during Emergencies: The bill limits the use of mandatory overtime even during emergencies unless the provider has made reasonable efforts to fill needs through alternative means and there is potential harm to an assigned patient (Section 3(a)(2)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Improving patient safety through reduced nurse fatigue can improve the quality of care access. Does this help veterans get medical care? — The bill mandates a specific study on overtime practices in federally operated medical facilities including the VA. Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — The bill establishes specific protocols for overtime even during declared emergencies or disasters.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires providers to post nurse schedules and transparently disclose overtime policies. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal oversight of nurse working hours through the Social Security Act.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — The bill provides strong protections against retaliation for nurses refusing mandatory overtime. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill mandates studies on overtime practices within federally operated medical facilities including the VA. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill imposes new labor restrictions and potential civil money penalties on healthcare providers.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — By limiting nurse fatigue, the bill protects healthcare consumers from medical errors. Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The bill enhances protections against employer retaliation for refusing mandatory overtime.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill specifically includes a study on overtime in facilities operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- 8/6/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
John FettermanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland