Department of Labor

Mandatory Overtime for Nurses

The Restrictions on Consecutive Hours of Work for Nurses Law, Section 167 of the Labor Law, went into effect on July 1, 2009.

Section 167 of the Labor Law:

• Prohibits health care employers from mandating overtime for nurses
• Stipulates the conditions for exceptions to this rule

The New York State Department of Labor enforces this law.

The final regulations governing mandatory nurse overtime became effective October 12, 2011. To review the regulations, please visit the Legal section of the Department's website.

You can also read frequently asked questions about the law and regulations.

You may file a complaint with the Department of Labor if:

• You are a nurse (RN/LPN)
AND
• You believe that your employer forced you to work in violation of the law

This link will open up the necessary complaint form for you to print.