‘Uber for nurses’: gig-work apps lobby to deregulate healthcare, report finds

Tech platforms are lobbying for deregulation of the “Uber for nursing” industry to expand gig work in healthcare.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping nurse staffing, reducing worker rights, protections, and pay.
The “Uber for nurses” model bids on shifts by pay rate, with the lowest bid winning the assignment.
Nurse gig platforms have reached a $1 billion valuation, attracting investments and securing government contracts, including in ICE detention centers.
Gig nursing platforms lobby to exempt themselves from regulations and worker protection laws, like those used for other staffing agencies.
At least 17 states have introduced deregulation bills since 2022, and exemptions have been enacted in some states.
There is also federal-level lobbying to expand “independent work” and allow gig nursing platforms government contracts for emergencies.
New York is an exception, having passed a law requiring gig platforms to comply with healthcare staffing regulations.

‘Uber for nurses’: gig-work apps lobby to deregulate healthcare, report finds | US healthcare