'Task Adjustment Committee' Established to Resolve Conflicts Among Healthcare Professions

A new committee to adjust tasks and promote cooperation
among healthcare professionals will be established
under the Ministry of Health and Welfare

A government committee will be newly established to reduce conflicts and promote collaboration among various professions in the healthcare sector, including doctors, Korean medicine doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical technicians, regarding their respective scopes of practice.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on August 4 that the National Assembly has passed a partial amendment to the 'Framework Act on Health and Medical Services,' which includes the establishment and operation of the 'Healthcare Workforce Task Adjustment Committee' under the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The Task Adjustment Committee will deliberate on the scope of work, task adjustment, collaboration, and division of labor among healthcare professionals. Until now, the lack of clear boundaries and an institutional framework for adjusting the scope of work among healthcare professionals has led to unnecessary conflicts, especially in overlapping areas of practice.

The newly established committee will be chaired by the Vice Minister of Health and Welfare and will consist of a total of at least 50 and no more than 100 members. The committee will include representatives from organizations representing healthcare professionals, individuals recommended by medical institution organizations, representatives from labor, civic, and consumer groups, government officials, and individuals with extensive knowledge and experience in licensing and qualifications.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare expects that the Task Adjustment Committee will enhance transparency and expertise in determining the scope of practice among healthcare professions and establish a flexible cooperative system that is suited to the changing healthcare environment.

This amendment will be promulgated after passing the Cabinet meeting and is scheduled to take effect six months later.