Originally Published in the Daily Journal, May 10, 2012.

Much has been written about the Supreme Court’s recent holding in Brinker Restaurant Corp. V. Superior Court and its impact on meal and rest period rules. Somewhat hidden away in the opinion, however, are several important holdings from the court about the unique meal period regulations that apply to the state hospitals.

According to the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC), there are currently 367 acute-care hospitals operating in the state. In just the six counties represented by HASC (Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernadino, Riverside, Santa Barbara, and Ventura), hospitals collectively employ more than 500,000 individuals and generate about $33 billion in annual revenue. Thus, any Supreme Court authority relating to hospital employees is significant.

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