This bill amends the Public Health Code by adding a new section, 17233, which stipulates that a registered professional nurse's refusal to work beyond their predetermined schedule at a hospital cannot be grounds for administrative action. The bill defines "hospital" and "registered professional nurse's predetermined work schedule" by referencing existing definitions in the law.

Additionally, the bill modifies section 20165 to introduce a tiered system of administrative fines for hospitals that violate section 21526, starting with a $1,000 fine for a first violation and increasing to $10,000 for fourth or subsequent violations within a 36-month period. The fines reset every 36 months after the first violation. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 296.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-1): 333.20165
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.20165
As Passed by the Senate: 333.20165