Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2022-03-23 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2022-03-23 Senate Journal Page 2097 SB 237 SENATE BILL NO. 237 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act exempting certain ambulatory surgical center employees from overtime pay requirements; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to State of Alaska overtime law and ambulatory surgical centers. Alaska law requires overtime pay for eligible workers to begin after eight working hours in a day or forty cumulative hours in a week. Certain employers, such as hospitals, have an exemption from the eight-hour requirement, allowing critical healthcare workers to be on staff to meet the needs of patients. The use of ambulatory surgical centers has grown nationally as many procedures do not require hospital admissions. However, these centers are not treated the same as hospitals for purposes of overtime rules which creates significant management challenges. The result has been a noticeable migration of nurses and other critical health staff to hospitals where a more flexible schedule allows the worker a greater say in their work scheduling. 2022-03-23 Senate Journal Page 2098 This bill would place ambulatory surgical centers on an equal footing with hospitals in relation to overtime rules. Like hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers would still be bound by the federal forty-hour weekly overtime rule. This change is one step toward greater flexibility for healthcare workers and stability for Alaska’s healthcare system. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor