H.R. 10056 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Aug 6, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryLimits mandatory overtime for hospital nurses
This bill would set rules for hospitals and other healthcare providers that receive Medicare funding. Nurses couldn't be required to work more than their scheduled shift, more than 48 hours a week, or more than 12 hours straight. They'd also need 10 hours off after finishing a 12-hour shift before being called back. The rules wouldn't apply during emergencies, and nurses could still volunteer for extra hours.
How it affects you
If you're a nurse at a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, home health agency, or similar facility, you'd have more protection against being forced to work exhausting schedules. Patients might also benefit from nurses having more rest time. The bill includes protections so nurses can report violations without retaliation, and it sets penalties for providers that break the rules.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Aug 6, 2026)
Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act of 2026
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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 10056
A BILL
Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act of 2026
Sponsor: Rep. Doris O. Matsui (D-CA-7) · Introduced Aug 6, 2026 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Aug 6, 2026: “Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.”