South Korea Passes Landmark Bill Allowing Nurses to Perform Medical Procedures

South Korea's parliament approved a bill permitting nurses to execute certain medical procedures typically conducted by doctors. This move comes as nurses seek better legal protection amid a doctors' strike. The Korean Nurses Association hailed the bill, a result of a 19-year effort, while doctors warned it could harm patients.

South Korea's parliament has enacted a pivotal bill permitting nurses to carry out specific medical procedures that are traditionally within the purview of doctors. This legislative move arrives amid the fervent call from healthcare workers for enhanced legal protections, exacerbated by a prolonged doctors' walkout.

Nursing groups and unions have long advocated for improved working conditions through a dedicated nursing law. However, their initiatives faced formidable resistance from medical professionals and lacked bipartisan political support. With a nationwide strike by trainee doctors protesting policies to increase medical school admissions, the burden on nurses has surged dramatically.

The recent spike in COVID-19 cases added urgency to the crisis, leading political factions to broker a compromise. The newly passed bill aims to establish legal guidelines enabling physician assistant nurses to perform specific procedures, while other aspects, like qualification easements, remain under review. The Korean Nurses Association praised the bill as a milestone in a 19-year campaign, while the Korean Medical Association warned of potential risks to patient safety.