An anticipated Department of Labor (DOL) proposal that would significantly increase the number of employees eligible for overtime pay is of concern to skilled nursing providers. The rule would up the threshold under which workers can automatically earn overtime pay from $24,00 to $35,000; and it would change time-and-a-half requirements for work beyond 40 hours weekly. If implemented, the DOL proposal would increase labor costs, adding to already existing post-acute and long-term care industry woes such as workforce shortages and budget cuts. If the proposal does move forward, it is expected to be challenged in court by groups on both sides of the fence—those who think it goes too far and those who think it doesn’t go far enough. Read the full article.
