Labor experts argue that using unpaid workers to do work that benefits the bottom line lets for-profit hospitals skirt federal labor laws, deprives employees of work, and could exploit the volunteers.
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. Most of the 30 volunteers who work at the 130-bed, for-profit East Cooper Medical Center spend their days assisting surgical patients the scope of their duties extending far beyond those of candy stripers, baby cuddlers, and gift shop clerks. In fact, one-third of the volunteers at the Tenet Healthcare-owned hospital