Bill to Prohibit Nurse Mandatory Overtime to Receive Sponsor Testimony

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Legislation aimed at making Ohio the 19^th state to prohibit nurse mandatory overtime will have sponsor testimony Wednesday, January 31^st and 9:00am. The House Bill 456's sponsor, Representative Robert Sprague (R-Findlay), will present to House Health Committee members the importance of this legislation, and reasons why nurse fatigue, a consequence of mandatory overtime, poses dangers to patient care.

WHAT: House Bill 456 Sponsor Testimony

WHERE: Ohio Statehouse, Room 121

WHEN: 9:00am

Fatigue can affect nurses' ability to deliver optimal patient care. Research demonstrates that fatigue causes an increased risk in errors, decline in memory, reduced ability to learn, and impaired mood and communication skills. Further, scientific evidence links long working hours to many health effects, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

House Bill 456 would give nurses the right to refuse overtime if they feel too fatigued to continue to provide safe patient care without fear of termination or licensure sanctions.

Spokespeople will be available before and after the hearing for interviews.

About ONA:  Formed in 1904, the Ohio Nurses Association is a powerful network of registered nurses who are committed to advancing nursing through education, political action and workplace advocacy. ONA is the leading voice of the approximately 190,000 professional registered nurses in Ohio. To become a member of the Ohio Nurses Association, visit www.ohnurses.org.

SOURCE Ohio Nurses Association

Related Links

http://www.ohnurses.org