Nursing Association, "Will Uphold Fairness and Common Sense in Healthcare through the Nursing Act"

Welcome the Promulgation of the Nursing Act Bill on the 20th

The Korean Nurses Association has expressed its welcome for the promulgation of the "Nursing Act Bill," which includes legal measures to clarify the legal status and authority of nurses and to improve working conditions.

On the 20th, the Nurses Association issued a statement saying, "The most important point is that with the establishment of the Nursing Act, the duties that nurses can perform and those they should not perform have been clearly defined, creating a foundation to provide safe nursing care to all citizens," adding, "Going forward, the Republic of Korea will uphold fairness and common sense in healthcare through the Nursing Act."

The Nursing Act covers matters related to the scope of nurses' duties, licensing and qualifications, rights and responsibilities, supply and demand, education, and improvements in nursing policies for long-term service. It passed the National Assembly on the 28th of last month, was approved at the Cabinet meeting on the 10th of this month, and was promulgated on this day.

The Nurses Association explained, "Previously, the Medical Service Act only described nurses with one line stating that 'nurses assist medical treatment under the supervision of a doctor,' so nurses' duties were recognized solely as assisting doctors," and added, "Now, it will be possible to realize the universal health rights of the people and the public value of social care."

They further stated, "We, the 650,000 nurses nationwide, promise the public that we will do our best by the side of the people and for the people to lead the creation of a healthy Republic of Korea."

The Nursing Act is expected to be enforced starting in June of next year, nine months after its promulgation.