Duty hours are defined by the ACGME as all clinical activities related to the residency program, i.e. patient care (both inpatient and outpatient), administrative duties related to patient care, the provision for transfer of patient care, time spent in- house during call activities, and scheduled academic activities such as conferences. Duty hours do not include reading and preparation time spent away from the duty site.
Each program has a written statement concerning the House officer's duty hours which will be in compliance with their RRC requirements. House officers work week which must not exceed eighty hours averaged over a four-week period, inclusive of all in-house call activities. Residents must receive one day off in seven from all educational and clinical responsibilities averaged over a four week period, inclusive of call. One day is defined as one continuous 24-hour period free of all clinical, educational, and administrative activities. In-house call is to be no more frequent than every third night averaged over a four-week period. There must be 10 hour period provided between all daily duty periods and after in-house call. Continuous on-site duty, including in-house call, must not exceed 24 consecutive hours. House officers may remain on duty for up to 6 additional hours to participate in didactic activities, transfer care of patients, conduct outpatient clinics and maintain continuity of medical and surgical care (unless further limited by the relevant program requirements). No new patients may be accepted after 24 hours of continuous hours on duty. Each program shall distribute a copy of the department's duty hour policy to all residents and faculty. Other guidelines may be found in your Program Director's duty hour policy and are applicable as required by the specific RRC requirements.
