Illinois Nursing Law
Nurses in Illinois are required by law to follow certain professional guidelines. How they perform their daily duties is regulated to protect patients and nurses.
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Nurse Practice Act
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According to the Illinois Nurses Association, the Illinois Nurse Practice Act provides guidelines for nurses to perform their work. The law defines nursing and the tasks that come with the job description. All nurses must agree to continue their education to renew their licenses. It also prohibits retaliation against a nurse who reports unsafe, unethical or illegal health care practices.
Mandated Overtime
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In 2005, Illinois prohibited mandated overtime in hospitals. Hospitals can only require its nurses to work overtime in the event of an unforeseen emergency. In those situations, a nurse can only work for four hours beyond the predetermined, agreed-to-work shift. Nurses can, however, voluntarily work beyond the regular work week hours.
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Hospital Report Card Act
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The Hospital Report Card Act provides Illinois consumers with information on how well their local hospitals are performing. The information includes nursing coverage and outcomes. Hospitals must share their current unit schedules, nurse-patient assignment rosters and the ways hospitals use to determine and adjust staffing levels.
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References
Resources
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