What New Hampshire law adds on top of federal law for nurses and EMS, and who to call.
Every rule here was read on the statute, regulation or agency page it cites. Checked November 10, 2026.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change and your facts decide how they apply. Before you act, confirm with the agency listed here or with an employment lawyer or your union representative.
Who to call in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Department of LaborUnpaid wages and state labor complaints. Start a complaint
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour DivisionUnpaid wages and overtime, PUMP Act, FMLA. Contact · 1-866-487-9243
OSHAPrivate-employer safety complaints, and retaliation for raising safety (30 days under the OSH Act). Public employees: see Unions and public employers. Contact
In New Hampshire, an RN, LPN or LNA can't be disciplined or lose any right, benefit or privilege for refusing to work more than 12 consecutive hours. If you are mandated past 12 hours in an allowed situation, you get at least 8 consecutive hours off afterward.
Who it covers: RNs, LPNs and licensed nursing assistants in New Hampshire.
Limits and exceptions to know (the law may have others; read the source):
A nurse in surgery, until the surgery is done.
A critical care nurse, until relieved by the next scheduled shift.
A home health nurse, until another qualified nurse or the usual caregiver takes over.
A public health emergency.
Nurses whose union contract addresses mandatory overtime.
"shall not be disciplined, or lose any right, benefit, or privilege for refusing to work more than 12 consecutive hours"
N.H. RSA 275:67 · In effect January 1, 2008 · Checked November 10, 2026
Final paycheck
Fired: you must be paid in full within 72 hours. Laid off: by the next regular payday. Quit: by the next regular payday, or within 72 hours if you gave at least one pay period's notice.
Who it covers: Employees in New Hampshire. The law defines employer as individuals, partnerships, corporations and similar entities, and leaves out household employers and farms with fewer than 5 workers; if a government agency employs you, confirm with the Labor Department that it applies.
Limits and exceptions to know (the law may have others; read the source):
Laid off, or out because of a labor dispute: pay is due by the next regular payday, not within 72 hours. (RSA 275:44, III)
The law's definition of employer names private entities and excludes household employers and small farms. (RSA 275:42, I)
"Whenever an employer discharges an employee, the employer shall pay the employee's wages in full within 72 hours."
After five hours in a row you must get a half-hour lunch or eating period, unless you can eat while working and the employer lets you.
Who it covers: Employees in New Hampshire.
"An employer may not require an employee to work more than 5 consecutive hours without granting him a 1/2 hour lunch or eating period, except if it is feasible for the employee to eat during the performance of his work, and the employer permits him to do so."
For New Hampshire we have not yet confirmed state rules on staffing ratios, plans and committees. That does not mean New Hampshire has no rule on them: we leave a topic off until we have read it at the source, and only federal rules are shown for it here.