Michigan Nurses, University Sign Ebola Contract

The University of Michigan Health System and the state’s largest nurses union have signed a contract that protects nurses who care for an Ebola patient.

The health system and the Michigan Nurses Association announced the agreement Monday. It includes standards for training and protective equipment, as well as provisions on unchanged salary for a quarantined nurse or a nurse who is infected with the virus. The hospital has agreed to pay for all medical treatment and follow-up including psychological testing for nurses if needed.

The union says its research shows many Michigan nurses don’t feel prepared to care for an Ebola patient. The state hasn’t had any confirmed cases.

The union’s director says nurses shouldn’t have to worry about their income and job while caring for extremely infectious patients.