Mandatory overtime is becoming an increasingly difficult problem for RNs and health care facilities. With pending nursing shortages, employers have used mandatory overtime to staff facilities. Nurses are increasingly concerned about the health effects of long term overtime and the quality of care being provided. Four states submitted legislation which would limit the amount of overtime that could be required to be worked by nurses (CA, NJ,WA,ME) and prevents employers from discriminating or dismissing anyone who refuses excess overtime.

In Maine, legislation signed by the governor, would prohibit an employer from requiring an employee, except a seasonal employee, to work more than 40 overtime hours in any  period of 2 calendar weeks and prevents the employer from retaliating against an employee who does not consent to work those hours.