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SB 297

Health facilities: hospitals; mandatory overtime for nurses; prohibit except under certain circumstances. Amends sec. 20165 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.20165) & adds sec. 17233. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0296'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 17 co-sponsors

Michigan bill prohibits hospitals from mandating nurse overtime except during specified emergencies, aiming to reduce nurse fatigue and improve workplace conditions.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
#healthfacilities:hospitals #healthoccupations:nurses #labor:hoursandwages #stateagencies(existing):licensingandregulatoryaffairs
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Bill Summary · SB 297

Legislative bill overview

SB 297 restricts Michigan hospitals from mandating overtime work for nurses except in specific emergency circumstances. The bill amends existing health facility regulations and is tied to companion legislation (SB 296), suggesting a coordinated approach to nurse staffing policies.

Why is this important

Nurse staffing levels and mandatory overtime directly affect patient safety, nurse burnout, and healthcare quality. This legislation addresses growing concerns about nurse fatigue and working conditions in Michigan hospitals, which impacts both healthcare workers and patient care outcomes. The issue affects thousands of nurses and millions of patients relying on hospital services across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Hospital operational costs and staffing flexibility: Hospitals may argue that restricting mandatory overtime limits their ability to respond to unexpected staffing shortages or surges in patient demand, potentially increasing labor costs
  • Definition of "certain circumstances": The bill's carve-outs for emergencies need precise definition—disputes may arise over what qualifies as an exception, creating enforcement challenges
  • Patient care continuity: Opposing viewpoints exist on whether strict overtime limits could disrupt continuity of care or force hospitals to hire more permanent staff, affecting both costs and availability of positions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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