Investigation reveals YRMC failed to accommodate nursing mothers

A recent investigation by the Department of Labor revealed that Yuma Regional Medical Center failed to provide adequate breaks and accommodations for nursing mothers while on the job.

According to the department, the hospital violated the break time for nursing mothers provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Investigators determined the hospital denied workers breaks to express milk and failed to cover the break room provided to nursing mothers from the public. Under FLSA, nursing mothers must take breaks to express milk at an appropriate and private location.

Yuma Regional Medical Center issued a statement Wednesday in response to the investigation:

“YRMC has been a longstanding supporter of healthy babies and the value of breastfeeding. A recent visit by the Department of Labor identified an opportunity to reinforce our existing training to our supervisors, and to make sure one of several designated locations for expressing milk met all Department of Labor privacy standards. YRMC is committed to providing an appropriate and private space to accommodate nursing mothers, and to providing nursing mothers who are YRMC employees a break from their work duties to express breast milk. As of this date, YRMC has satisfied all the requirements of the Department of Labor, and remains committed to not only following the Department of Labor standards but supporting the needs of our valued employees who are also nursing mothers.”

The agreement also informs all employees with information on their rights to express milk in the workplace. The medical center has five lactation centers and policies in place for employed mothers.