(2) When a hospital learns about the need for replacement staff, the hospital shall make every reasonable effort to obtain nursing staff for unfilled hours or shifts before requiring a nursing staff member to work overtime.

(3)(a) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a hospital may not require a nursing staff member to work:

(A) Beyond the agreed-upon and prearranged shift, regardless of the length of the shift;

(B) More than 48 hours in any hospital-defined work week;

(C) More than 12 hours in a 24-hour period; or

(D) During the 10-hour period immediately following the 12th hour worked during a 24-hour period.

(b) For purposes of paragraph (a)(D) of this subsection, a nursing staff member begins to work when the nursing staff member begins a shift.

(4) A hospital may require an additional hour of work beyond the work authorized under subsection (3) of this section if:

(a) A staff vacancy for the next shift becomes known at the end of the current shift; or

(b) There is a potential harm to an assigned patient if the nursing staff member leaves the assignment or transfers care to another nursing staff member.

(5) If a nursing staff member agrees to work overtime, the nursing staff member is accountable for the nursing staff member’s competency in practice and is responsible for notifying the nursing staff member’s supervisor when the nursing staff member’s ability to safely provide care is compromised.

(6)(a) Time spent in required meetings or receiving education or training shall be included as hours worked for purposes of subsection (3) of this section.

(b) Time spent on call or on standby when the nursing staff member is required to be at the premises of the employer shall be included as hours worked for purposes of subsection (3) of this section.

(c) Time spent on call but away from the premises of the employer may not be included as hours worked for purposes of subsection (3) of this section.

(7) If a nursing staff member believes that a hospital unit is engaging in a pattern of requiring direct care nursing staff to work overtime for nonemergency care, the nursing staff member may report that information to the hospital nurse staffing committee established for the hospital pursuant to ORS 441.154. The hospital nurse staffing committee shall consider the information when reviewing the written hospital-wide staffing plan as required by ORS 441.156.

(8) The provisions of this section do not apply to nursing staff needs:

(a) In the event of a national or state emergency or circumstances requiring the implementation of a facility disaster plan; or

(b) In emergency circumstances identified by the authority by rule. [2001 c.609 §4; 2005 c.665 §1; 2009 c.595 §734; 2015 c.669 §6]

Note: See note under 441.152.