The recent threat of a nationwide strike by the National Health and Medical Industry Labor Union has escalated concerns over a healthcare crisis amid the resurgence of COVID-19. In response to this looming crisis, the ruling and opposition parties belatedly reached a consensus on the passage of the Nursing Act on the 27th. This agreement signifies a rare moment of unity between the two sides, emphasizing their role as parties prioritizing public welfare.
The legislative subcommittee convened to process the Nursing Act, addressing key issues such as the scope of duties for Physician Assistants (PAs). The law now stipulates that PAs can perform medical support tasks under the supervision and delegation of doctors. Additionally, the legislation defers defining specific operational conditions and boundaries to subsequent regulations. This compromise reflects a significant shift towards accommodating the opposition’s viewpoints.
The Nursing Act, aimed at improving working conditions for care providers, was reintroduced in the current parliament after being vetoed by President Yoon Suk-yeol last year. The Act’s passage is scheduled for the upcoming plenary session, following positive momentum from the recent bipartisan agreement.
Source link