By EMS1 Staff Starting July 1, EMS employers will face significant changes in federal overtime regulations, as announced by the Department of Labor . The new rules will increase the minimum salary threshold required for employees to be exempt from overtime pay. Currently set at $684 per week, the threshold will rise to $844 per week starting July, and again to $1,128 per week by January 1, 2025. This adjustment mandates that employees must earn at least these amounts on a fixed salary basis to qualify for overtime exemption, Stephen R. Wirth, Esq., EMT-P, founder, Page, Wolfberg & Wirth , tells EMS1. Additionally, employees must meet specific duties as outlined in the executive, administrative or professional exemptions to be considered for overtime exemption. The changes necessitate a thorough review by EMS employers of all employees currently classified as exempt to ensure they meet the updated salary and duties criteria. Wirth also advises conducting a wage and hour audit to confirm compliance with both federal and state laws, as some states may have stricter exemption standards.
This proactive approach will help ensure that EMS organizations adhere to the new requirements and avoid potential legal issues. EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.