Action Update

Department of Labor Abandons Rule Allowing Teenagers to Operate Patient Lifts

November 26, 2019

In the U.S. Labor Department's Fall Regulatory Agenda, it abandoned a proposed rule that would have allowed 16- and 17-year olds to operate power patient lifts without direct supervision in health care settings, including long-term care settings.  Consumer Voice submitted comments to the Department of Labor opposing the proposed rule in 2018.  Consumer Voice's comments highlighted the rule's impact on long-term care residents, putting them at greater risk of harm.