"Simple Endotracheal Intubation? ... Could Threaten Patient's Life"

Criticism from Medical Association on Kookhim's Kim Sang-hoon Statement: "Reckless Remarks" and Accusations of Attempting to Legalize PAs through Nursing Act

Kim Sang-hoon, the Policy Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, described the 'Nursing Act' as "allowing nurses to perform simple endotracheal intubation," which has sparked backlash from the medical community, calling it an "insensitive remark."

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) issued a press release on the 14th, stating, "We deeply lament the level of lawmakers who have no understanding of medical knowledge," and explained, "'Endotracheal intubation,' a medical procedure that has a significant impact on patient safety, is not something that can be done simply, and even skilled doctors find it challenging, so it is not a nursing assistance act."

On the 20th, the Korea Medical Association building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The Korea Medical Association announced that instead of launching the "Pan-Medical Community Countermeasures Committee (Pan Committee)" as previously planned, it will establish the "Special Committee for Proper Medical Care (Special Committee)." Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Earlier, on the 9th, Kim, the Policy Committee Chairman, appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and explained the Nursing Act, saying, "Because the medical vacuum has been prolonged for too long, this law formally introduces the PA nurse system, which refers to surgical assistant nurses who can perform simple intubation on a patient's throat, that is, nursing assistants who assist in surgery."

The KMA pointed out, "If nurses independently perform such medical procedures in emergency medical settings, confusion is expected, and it could seriously endanger patient life and safety," adding, "It is disheartening that the current legislative discussions are being conducted by politicians and administrative officials who have no understanding of public health and life."

The KMA also stated, "In 2015, the Seoul High Court ruled that intubation procedures are medical acts that only doctors can perform and declared PA nurse intubation illegal," expressing "serious concerns about the government and ruling and opposition parties attempting to legalize PAs through the Nursing Act."