New York Senate Bill S07994

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/25
• Refer: 5/15/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Adds home care visits to existing provisions of law prohibiting health care employers from requiring a nurse to work more than such nurse's regularly scheduled work hours, including regularly scheduled home care visits.

Impact

If enacted, S07994 would clarify the definition of 'regularly scheduled work hours' for nurses, which now includes home care visits and associated activities necessary for patient safety, such as shift report communications. By codifying these protections, the legislation aims to strengthen workers' rights in the healthcare industry, particularly for registered professional nurses and licensed practical nurses. This bill could also lead to changes in staffing practices within healthcare organizations, encouraging them to adhere strictly to agreed schedules and avoid imposing demanding work hours on nurses.

Summary

Bill S07994 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending labor and education laws concerning nurses working in home care settings. The bill prohibits healthcare employers from requiring nurses to work beyond their regularly scheduled hours, including home care visits. This measure is intended to ensure that nurses have the right to refuse additional hours without fear of repercussions or being deemed negligent in their care duties. The legislation reflects an increasing awareness of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, particularly in maintaining a work-life balance while ensuring quality patient care.

Contention

There may be pushback against S07994 from healthcare employers concerned about operational challenges arising from the constraints on overtime and scheduling flexibility. Critics might argue that such limitations could lead to staffing shortages or reduced availability for patients needing care during peak hours. Proponents, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of safeguarding nurses' rights and wellbeing, noting that overextension can negatively impact patient care quality and lead to burnout among professionals in the field.