Jo Jiyeon Proposes Bills to Improve Treatment of Nursing Facility Workers

Strengthening Wage Standards and Labor Safety
Raising Expectations for Improved Quality of Long-Term Care Services

On July 30, Jo Jiyeon, a member of the National Assembly from Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, representing the People Power Party, announced that she had proposed the "Two Bills for Improving the Treatment of Nursing Facility Workers" as the main sponsor, aiming to improve the working conditions of nursing facility staff and enhance the stability and quality of long-term care services.

Jiyeon Cho, Member of the National Assembly of the People Power Party (Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk)

The proposed legislation includes partial amendments to the Elderly Welfare Act and the Long-Term Care Insurance Act for the Elderly. These bills contain institutional measures to address the poor working environment and high turnover rate among long-term care facility workers.

The amendment to the Elderly Welfare Act stipulates that the Minister of Health and Welfare must establish labor safety policies to improve the treatment of care workers, including: guaranteeing rest breaks, supporting regular health checkups, and preparing measures to prevent industrial accidents.

In addition, the amendment to the Long-Term Care Insurance Act for the Elderly establishes appropriate wage standards for long-term care staff (including care workers, social workers, nursing assistants, and physical therapists) and makes it mandatory for long-term care institutions to comply with these standards.

Furthermore, a new provision has been introduced allowing the head of the local government to issue a corrective order within six months in the event of a violation of these standards.

Currently, nursing facility workers experience significant wage disparities depending on the region and institution, and despite heavy workloads, they receive low compensation, resulting in a high turnover rate. This has been pointed out as a major cause of instability in the operation of long-term care institutions and a decline in service quality.

Jo emphasized, "If we do not create an environment where frontline workers can work stably, we cannot expect high-quality care services," and added, "Through these amendments, I will do my utmost in legislation to improve the working conditions of nursing facility staff and raise the level of long-term care services."