§ 26 §603 — Limits on mandatory overtime

1.
Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
2.
Limits on mandatory overtime.
An employer may not require an employee to work more than 80 hours of overtime in any consecutive 2-week period.
3.
Exceptions.
This section does not apply to:
4.
Lower limit by agreement.
Employers and employees may agree to limit mandatory overtime to fewer hours than provided for in this section.
5.
Exception for nurse.
Notwithstanding subsection 2, a nurse may not be disciplined for refusing to work more than 12 consecutive hours. A nurse may be disciplined for refusing mandatory overtime in the case of an unforeseen emergent circumstance when overtime is required as a last resort to ensure patient safety. Any nurse who is mandated to work more than 12 consecutive hours, as permitted by this section, must be allowed at least 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time immediately following the worked overtime.

Legislative History

PL 1999, c. 750, §1 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 401, §1 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 640, §1 (AMD).