Question

Nurses and Medical Staff that have patient contact at the local hospital are now required to wear extra protection, such as N95 masks, smocks, face shields, glasses and other hazardous protections.  Prior to shift, in addition to donning this protective gear the nurses and staff must be tested for exposure to COVID-19.  These additional procedures take approximately 10-12 minutes before and after each shift.  The hospital is refusing to pay nurses and staff for this time.

Does the hospital have to pay these employees for this time?

What is the standard as to whether or not they need to be paid?

Answer 1

Does the hospital have to pay these employees for this time?

• As per the law time spend on changing clothes are not worth paying as hours worked unless.
• Time spent donning/doffing protective equipments are generally payable.
• Till date, there are no judicial verdicts analyzed whether scrubs worn by specific medical staff are considered “clothing” or “protective equipment.”

During the time of this extra ordinary situation of COVID-19 it is recommended to pay nurses for donning and doffing since they deserve it due to their remarkable commitment towards the society. Consider it as a gratitude and a way of motivation. This is what I feel right.

What is the standard as to whether or not they need to be paid?

In this scenario "Use national data to determine which positions should have incentives" .

The above mentioned policy can determine about the payment dilemmas.