HB1164 Summary

• Prohibits mandatory overtime for hourly-wage nurses at state facilities (Department of Children and Family Services, mental health facilities, Department of Public Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, healthcare facilities under Illinois Public Aid Code, and correctional facilities) except during unforeseen emergencies as a last resort, with a 4-hour maximum limit per shift.

• Requires employers to provide nurses mandated to work up to 12 consecutive hours with at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time immediately following shift completion.

• Prohibits retaliation, discipline, or discharge against nurses who refuse to work prohibited mandatory overtime.

• Allows nurses to file complaints with the Department of Labor within 45 days of alleged violations; Department of Labor must notify the employing agency within 3 business days and work to resolve disputes.

• Defines "unforeseen emergent circumstance" as declared disasters or situations requiring specialized nursing skills, explicitly excluding staffing shortfalls due to inadequate hiring or scheduling; violations must be proven by clear and convincing evidence.