Michigan nurses would no longer be forced to work overtime under bills passed in the Michigan Senate Wednesday
The bills would stop hospitals from making nurses work extra hours, with some exceptions.
The package would also give nurses an eight-hour break, at least, following a 12-hour shift.
Democratic state Senator Stephanie Chang says nurses need those protections.
“Right now, hospitals can order nurses to work unlimited hours. When nurses are exhausted and sleep deprived, they cannot help but make errors. And unfortunately, sometimes, they might be life threatening ones.”
Some opponents of the legislation worry it could hurt hospitals' ability to handle staffing.
