Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Opposition-led Assembly unilaterally passes Nursing Act
Lawmakers pass the Nursing Act during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
By Kim Hyun-bin
The opposition-controlled National Assembly on Thursday passed the Nursing Act aimed at defining the roles and responsibilities of nurses in a clearer manner amid fierce opposition from the ruling party and doctors.
The bill was approved in a plenary session with 179 votes in favor and two abstentions out of 181 lawmakers present.
All but two members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), which has opposed the bill, boycotted the vote and walked out of the chamber en masse before voting began.
The bill is aimed at stipulating the roles and responsibilities of nurses, as the Medical Service Act only states ― without laying out specific roles ― that nurses must perform medical assistance under the guidance of a medical doctor.
The bill also aims to improve the working conditions of nurses.
But doctors and other critics, especially practical nurses, have opposed the revision and threatened to go on strike upon its passage, arguing the legislation is aimed only at ensuring the interests of nurses while nursing assistants could be discriminated against.
The PPP has said it would ask President Yoon Suk Yeol to veto the bill. (Yonhap)