CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 50(FIN) "An Act relating to limitations on mandatory overtime for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in health care facilities; and providing for an effective date." Co-Chair Stedman noted it was the first hearing on the bill. REPRESENTATIVE PEGGY WILSON, SPONSOR, explained that the purpose of the bill is to make sure nurses get enough rest. Nurses are working excessive hours without enough rest which creates an unsafe work environment for patients and for nurses. The bill would create a standardized work environment across the state. The bill has provisions for emergencies, inclement weather, natural disasters, and on- going procedures. She shared information about legislation in other states, of which 15 have adopted similar requirements. The legislation sets a 14-hour work limit with a 10 hour rest period. She maintained that nurses in Alaska are working excessive hours of overtime, most of which are mandated. Nurses from throughout Alaska have provided testimony that this legislation is needed. She noted that her staff was prepared to explain the differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill. She urged the committee to move the bill. 12:01:28 PM Co-Chair Stedman noted three zero fiscal notes from the Department of Health and Social Services and one indeterminate note from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He said that the bill is not a new issue. 12:02:31 PM JOHN BRINGHURST, ADMINISTRATOR, PETERSBURG MEDICAL CENTER, PETERSBURG (via teleconference), testified in opposition to HB 50. He listed reasons for his concerns. He thought HB 50 contained onerous reporting requirements. He explained mandatory call, which is used to staff emergency rooms. The bill would force the end of mandatory call and cost the hospital around $470,000 a year. Senator Olson referred to page 3 of the bill, an exemption for rural communities, and asked if Petersburg qualifies for it. Mr. Bringhurst understood that it exempts the hospital for short periods only. 12:05:58 PM RYAN SMITH, CEO, CENTRAL PENINSULA HOSPITAL, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), testified in opposition to the bill, which he termed a labor bill. He explained that the bill has many patient exclusions and only contains reporting requirements for hospitals, not nurses. He also discussed mandatory overtime. He predicted unintended consequences from the bill. 12:07:50 PM EVANGELYN DOTOMAIN, PRESIDENT & CEO, ALASKA NATIVE HEALTH BOARD (via teleconference), spoke against HB 50. She understood that her organization has an exemption from the legislation; however, she thought the bill would change the market conditions of nursing and have repercussions in the villages. 12:09:53 PM NANCY DAVIS, PRESIDENT, ALASKA NURSES ASSOCIATION, stressed that patient safety is the primary benefit of HB 50, in addition to benefits to nurses. She testified in support of HB 50 from a nurse's viewpoint. 12:11:35 PM ROD BETIT, CEO, ALASKA STATE HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION, spoke against the legislation. He reported that 26 out of 27 facilities in the state do not support the bill. He agreed that safety was a prime concern for his organization. He disagreed with items in the bill. 12:13:09 PM LAUREE HUGONIN MORTON, JUNEAU, maintained that nurses should not work extensive hours. She shared a personal experience. She testified in support of HB 50. She thought the limit of hours worked should be eight. 12:16:50 PM MARY STACKHOUSE, REGISTERED NURSE, JUNEAU, shared personal experiences. She spoke strongly in favor of HB 50. 12:19:02 PM DEBBIE THOMPSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA NURSES ASSOCIATION, urged the committee to pass the bill. She read a paragraph from a newspaper article which supported her beliefs. 12:20:07 PM BARBARA HUFF TUCKNESS, TEAMSTERS LOCAL 959, spoke in favor of HB 50. She requested that all nurses and physician assistants receive protection through collective bargaining agreements. HB 50 was heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration. AT-EASE 12:21:56 PM RECONVENED 1:43:28 PM