Truth or theater? One-year of data on meal and rest break compliance

As of July 1, 2024, most hospitals in Washington state* are required to provide a quarterly report to the Department of Labor and Industries demonstrating compliance rates with the mandate to provide meal and rest breaks to covered employees at least 80 percent of the time. A review of the most recent data submitted to the Washington Department of Health suggests that the vast majority of employers are not only meeting but exceeding that mark.

Quarterly compliance data (April 1-June 30, 2025):

• All reporting facilities met or exceeded the 80% compliance requirement.
• 43 out of 45 facilities reported over 90% compliance.
• The remaining two facilities reported compliance rates of 87% and 88%.
• 45 out of 48 facilities submitted reports as required. (Kindred Hospital Seattle, Shriners Children’s Hospital, and Trios Health did not submit a report.)

There appears to be a gap between data reported and the experience of frontline workers. In a WSNA survey conducted earlier this year:

• Only 19% of 266 respondents stated they were consistently relieved to take their required break.
• 76% reported missing a meal or rest break without filing a missed break report.

These findings raise an important question: Is this true compliance – or an illusion?

Closing the gap between policy and practice requires a collaborative effort. Leadership must ensure consistent break coverage and foster a culture of transparency. At the same time, nurses must feel safe and supported to report missed breaks without fear of retribution. So how do we bridge this divide? Without accurate data and shared accountability, these reports risk becoming little more than compliance theatre.

If you have ideas or solutions that have worked for you, email education@wsna.org to share the tip. When nurses support nurses, meaningful improvements happen and together, we all benefit.