South Korea’s Nursing Act: What It Means for the Public

For decades, South Korea operated without a dedicated Nursing Act, despite having laws for doctors and dentists.

However, with the recent passage of the Nursing Act, this long-overdue change is finally happening.

This article will explain what the Nursing Act is, why it matters, its global presence, South Korea’s journey to passing the law, and what’s next.

1️⃣ What is the Nursing Act?

The Nursing Act is a law that defines the roles, responsibilities, education, licensing, and ethical standards of nurses.
Its main goal is to protect nurses, improve healthcare quality, and enhance patient safety.

📌 Why is the Nursing Act Important?
✔ Clarifies Nurses’ Roles – Prevents confusion in medical settings
✔ Enhances Professionalism – Establishes strict standards for education and licensing
✔ Improves Patient Safety – Ensures high-quality nursing care and reduces medical errors

💡 How do other countries regulate nursing?

2️⃣ Which Countries Have a Nursing Act?

📌 OECD Countries with a Nursing Act:
Among 38 OECD countries, only 11 have an independent Nursing Act:
✔ Austria, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Turkey

📌 The U.S. Nursing Act Varies by State
Each U.S. state has its own nursing regulations, with California having the strongest nursing laws, allowing Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to practice independently.

📌 Which Country Passed the First Nursing Act?
New Zealand was the first country to introduce a Nursing Act in 1901, implementing a licensing system for nurses.

💡 Why did South Korea not have a Nursing Act until now?

3️⃣ South Korea’s Long Journey to Passing the Nursing Act

📌 1977 – First Attempt to Pass a Nursing Act
✔ The Korean Nurses Association (KNA) proposed the Nursing Act for the first time.

📌 April 27, 2023 – Passed by the National Assembly, then Rejected
✔ The National Assembly passed the Nursing Act, but
✔ May 16, 2023 – President Yoon Suk-yeol vetoed the bill

📌 COVID-19 Pandemic – Renewed Demand for the Nursing Act
✔ During the pandemic, nurses played a crucial role in infection control & emergency care.
✔ Their contributions highlighted the urgent need for independent nursing legislation.

📌 August 28, 2024 – Nursing Act Finally Passed Again
✔ After years of delays, the Nursing Act was re-passed in the National Assembly.
✔ The law will take effect in June 2025.

💡 How does this law benefit the general public?

4️⃣ How the Nursing Act Benefits the General Public

📌 1. Improved Healthcare Services
✔ Clearly defined nursing roles lead to more efficient and structured care
✔ Reduced patient wait times and personalized nursing care

📌 2. Solving Nursing Shortages & Medical Gaps
✔ Better working conditions = lower turnover rates
✔ Expansion of community health services, home nursing, and elderly care

📌 3. Enhanced Patient Safety & Fewer Medical Errors
✔ Clearly defined roles reduce unnecessary medical interventions
✔ Stronger infection control & emergency response skills improve patient safety

📌 4. Expansion of Home & Community-Based Care
✔ More home nursing & elderly care services
✔ Patients with mobility issues can receive professional medical support at home

📌 5. Reduced Healthcare Costs for Citizens
✔ Fewer unnecessary hospitalizations = lower medical expenses
✔ Preventative care system helps save long-term healthcare costs

💡 This law does not only protect nurses—it benefits every citizen.

5️⃣ What’s Next for South Korea’s Nursing Act?

✔ Current Status: Passed by the National Assembly → Effective June 2025
✔ Next Steps:

Establish detailed regulations on nursing roles
Ensure collaboration between medical professionals

📌 What Needs to Happen for a Successful Implementation?
✔ Government support & regulation adjustments
✔ Public awareness and continued advocacy

💡 The Nursing Act is a critical step toward improving South Korea’s healthcare system.
What are your thoughts on this change? Let us know in the comments!

Conclusion

The passage of the Nursing Act marks a turning point in South Korea’s healthcare system.
This law will elevate nursing professionalism, enhance patient care, and ensure a more efficient healthcare environment.

Do you support this change? Share your opinion below!

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