What happened?
On April 21, 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson signed the Washington House Bill (HB 1879) into law, which ensures that hospital workers receive uninterrupted meals and rest breaks to maintain a safe workplace and ensure quality patient care.

Overview:
This legislation aims to ensure uninterrupted breaks while allowing mutual agreements to waive or modify break requirements, clarifying the scheduling and taking of breaks.

• The law affects hospitals as defined in the law: RCW 70.41.020, and their employees involved in direct patient care who are non-exempt employees or those covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

• It provides flexibility in taking meal and rest breaks, allowing waivers for shorter shifts and adjustments to break timing.

• Employers must maintain records and ensure waivers are voluntary and revocable.

Amendments to RCW 49.12.480:

• Rest Periods: Must be scheduled and uninterrupted unless there is an unforeseeable emergency or clinical circumstance.

• Meal Periods: Employers must provide uninterrupted meal breaks. Employees can agree to combine meal and rest periods or waive meal periods for shifts less than eight hours.

• Waivers: Must be voluntary and documented. Employers must inform employees of their rights and maintain records.

• Reporting Requirements: Employers must record missed breaks and provide quarterly reports to the Department of Labor and Industries.

Source References

• WA HB 1879 – Concerning meal and rest breaks for hospital workers
• Press Release – Governor Signs Thomas Bill for Reasonable Rest Breaks for Hospital Workers

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