Senate bill · S. 5319 (119th Congress)
Amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for patient protection by limiting the number of mandatory overtime hours a nurse may be required to…
U.S. Senate
Sponsor: Jeff Merkley (U.S. Senator for Oregon, Democratic)
Official titleShow
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for patient protection by limiting the number of mandatory overtime hours a nurse may be required to work in certain providers of services to which payments are made under the Medicare Program.
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From Congress.gov and official rosters. This record was last updated Sep 8, 2026. About our data
Summary
Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act This bill requires certain providers, as a condition of Medicare participation, to limit mandatory overtime for nurses. Specifically, the bill prohibits hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, home health agencies, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and other specified providers from requiring nurses to work (1) more than a previously scheduled shift, 48 hours in a workweek, or 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period; or (2) during the 10 hours immediately following the 12th hour worked in a shift during a 24-hour period. Qualifying work hours include time spent in training, on call, and on standby. The bill's provisions do not apply during declared emergencies or disasters, subject to specified conditions, and do not preclude voluntary overtime. The bill also establishes (1) certain protections for nurses who file complaints against providers, (2) documentation and notice requirements for providers, and (3) potential civil penalties for violations.
Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries
Where it stands
Assigned to a committee for review.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Up for a vote
- Passed one chamber
- Passed
- Enacted
Committee
Senate Committee on Finance · U.S. Senate
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Full history
- Aug 6, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate
- Aug 6, 2026
Referred to committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Aug 6, 2026
Referred to committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Read the record
- Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.