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BOE-A-2026-23266 ·6 November 2026 ·Royal Decree High impact
Labour

Healthcare residents: 17-hour maximum per shift and 68-hour monthly limit for on-call duties

Royal Decree 951/2026 modifies the special employment relationship for healthcare specialists (RD 1146/2006). The regulation introduces strict limits on on-call duties, establishing that they cannot exceed 17 hours of effective work and a monthly maximum of 68 hours (section 5). It also mandates the implementation of time tracking systems and strengthens work-life balance through flexibility measures for caregivers (section 3).

In 3 key points

  1. Maximum limit of 17 hours of effective work per on-call shift, paragraph 5.c (apartado 5.c)
  2. Maximum limit of 68 monthly on-call hours, paragraph 5.e (apartado 5.e)
  3. Obligation to implement time-tracking systems to verify limits, paragraph 3 (apartado 3)

How it affects those involved

For resident staff, the regulation ensures greater rest by prohibiting on-call shifts exceeding 17 hours and limiting the monthly total to 68 hours, unless a justified extension is granted (paragraph 5). Entities heading teaching units must implement time-tracking systems and apply flexibility measures for residents with family care responsibilities (paragraph 3). The remuneration regime is updated according to the training level, and compensation for continuous care activities is reinforced.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum number of on-call hours I can work per month?
The general limit is 68 hours per month, although this may be extended upon proposal by the Centre's Teaching Commission (paragraph 5.e).
Can I work part-time as a resident?
No, resident staff may not work on a part-time basis (paragraph 4).
What happens if my on-call shift follows my regular working day?
The sum of the regular working day and the on-call shift may not exceed 17 hours if the rest period between shifts has not been fully taken (paragraph 5.c).

Lifecycle

2026-11-06PublishedPublished in the BOE
Official text Based on BOE data (boe.es). Information, not advice.

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This analysis is informational only and does not constitute legal advice or create a client-adviser relationship. BMC.
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