PEF has created a digital-only version of the Protest of Assignment (POA) form. This important tool, previously used primarily by nurses, is now available to all healthcare professionals working in 24/7 institutional settings. Paper submissions will no longer be accepted.
Why This Matters
The POA form is a critical step for protecting your professional license and documenting unsafe or inappropriate assignments. In the event of a disciplinary action or Justice Center investigation, a properly filed POA can help mitigate personal liability. Expanding its use to all healthcare titles ensures that every PEF member working in direct care has a voice—and a layer of protection.
Why the Shift to Digital?
The new digital format increases efficiency and transparency. Upon submission:
- You, the union, your supervisor, and appropriate clinical leadership (e.g., Director of Nursing, Chief Nursing Officer, Social Worker Supervisor, etc) will receive immediate notification.
- Your PEF Council Leader and Field Representative will also receive a copy.
- Your concerns will be sent in real time to your employer, increasing accountability for resolving workplace issues.
How This Benefits You
The new system generates reports by agency, unit, and shift—giving PEF the tools to:
- Advocate more effectively for safer staffing and working conditions
- Protect your license and respond to disciplinary actions
- Address health and safety concerns
- Support labor-management discussions and contract negotiations
- Influence legislation that impacts healthcare workers
Filing a POA Is Simple
- Notify your supervisor and say three things:
- “This assignment is unsafe and I need to protect my license.”
- “I will be filling out a POA.”
- “I need to get back to work.”
- Submit the form within 24 hours of the start of your shift at www.pef.org/poa.
- The process takes less than 2 minutes digitally.
- If you don’t have internet access or time during your shift, file it as soon as possible — ideally at the end of your shift. You can even do it while you warm up your car!
- This can be done on your phone at the link above or via the PEF mobile app.
- Be sure to note the name of the supervisor you informed about the protest of assignment and the time of notification.