VT S0277

Prohibits hospitals and long-term care facilities from requiring registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to work beyond their regularly scheduled shifts, with shifts capped at 12 hours per 24-hour period or 48 hours per workweek

Allows mandatory overtime only during declared emergencies, ongoing medical/surgical procedures where the nurse's presence is essential, or unforeseen disasters that increase healthcare demand (excludes routine staffing shortages)

Requires employers to first attempt voluntary overtime or use per diem and agency nurses before mandating overtime in emergency situations

Mandates at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty for any nurse who works more than 12 consecutive hours

Employers must report all mandatory overtime instances to the Vermont Department of Health within 30 days, with penalties ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for violations and $500 for reporting failures