Brazil considers new benefits and protections for healthcare workers

Two separate legislative proposals are currently moving through the Brazilian Congress aimed at improving conditions for healthcare workers.

Bill 2483/26, introduced by Deputy Diego Coronel, proposes an income tax exemption on overtime pay for all healthcare professionals working in both public and private sectors. The bill seeks to amend Law 7.713/88 to ensure that overtime earnings are not added to the tax calculation base, thereby increasing the real income of workers who extend their shifts. The proposal will undergo technical analysis by the Health, Finance and Taxation, and Constitution and Justice committees before proceeding to the Senate.

Separately, Bill 3338/26 seeks to guarantee comprehensive and priority medical and hospital care for nursing professionals, including nurses, technicians, assistants, and midwives, within the institutions where they work. The bill aims to ensure immediate assistance for work-related illnesses, accidents, or emergencies. If a facility lacks the necessary resources or specialists to treat the professional, the law would mandate that the institution facilitates a proper transfer for care.