Topic # 13: Length of Shifts

Here in Portland, we're thinking of cutting down to 12hr shifts on the
weekends.  We're getting crushed with rounds, especially when the census gets above 20.

Ken Jacobs, M.D.

I don't know of any legal restrictions.  I really don't think there are any.
Our contract with the hospital requires that we work 48 hours a week.  We do 24 hour shifts.  Most of the time we work a 24 hour shift, have 24 hours off and then work another shift.  Occasionally we might work three shifts in a week but always have at least 24 hours off between shifts.  There are only two Ob hospitalists at our hospital.  The rest of the shifts are filled by
three private MDs.  The private docs often do their 24 hour shift and then
do surgery the morning after or office hours.

Lori Hall, M.D.

There are currently (but not for long) no legal work hour restrictions for
physicians (other than in the courtroom), just restrictions for pilots,
truck, train, ship and bus drivers.  The literature shows impairment occurs
at 16-18 hours so shifts should be either 10, 12 or 14 hrs.  That is in the
original Laborist work.

Louis Weinstein, MD

I don't know of any binding legal restrictions. I currently work 4 ,10 hour
night shifts in a row. No office.

Karenmarie K. Meyer, MD