Health Care: Reduction in Resident Physician Work Hours Will Not Be Easy to Attain

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed resident physicians' work hours and the quality of care delivered, focusing on: (1) resident sleep deprivation and its impact on the quality of care; (2) sleep deprivation effects on nonphysician job performance, safety, and health; and (3) the effectiveness of implementing regulations to limit residents' hours.