Requiring Overtime Risky For Health Care Employers

A recent Pennsylvania case highlights the risk health care employers face in requiring workers to log overtime, even though it is not restricted under federal law. A direct care worker refused to work overtime because of child care concerns, and was fired. A Pennsylvania court ruled in the worker’s favor under the state’s statute, which prohibits health care facilities from requiring overtime. The worker must be reinstated and given $122,000 in back pay. “Human Resources and legal counsel in the health care industry should take note,” writes John S. Lord Jr. with Foley & Lardner LLP. “Terminating an employee who complains can lead to costly judgments.”