SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 50

(By Senators Kessler, Hunter, Ross, Rowe, Snyder and McKenzie)

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[Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary; reported March 3, 2003.]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study providing for certain requirements for hospital overtime policies.

Whereas, It is essential that health care workers providing direct patient care be available to meet the needs of patients; and
Whereas, Quality patient care may be jeopardized by health care workers who may work long hours in hospitals; and
Whereas, Health care workers, especially nurses, may be leaving their profession because of work-place stress, long work hours and deprecation of their essential role in the delivery of quality, direct patient care; and
Whereas, It is necessary to safeguard the efficiency, health and general well-being of health care workers in hospitals, as well as the health and general well-being of the persons who utilize their services; and
Whereas, It is further necessary that health care workers be aware of their rights and duties with regard to hospital overtime policies; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study providing for certain requirements for hospital overtime policies; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance consult with health care workers, including, but not limited to, registered professional nurses, licenced practical nurses and certified nurse assistants; representatives of health care facilities, including private and public hospitals; representatives from the Department of Health and Human Resources; and the Commissioner of Labor; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2004, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.