About 30% of nurses still report feeling anxious due to ambiguous job scopes, according to a recent survey. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 20 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent South Korean Supreme Court ruling, allowing nurses to perform bone marrow aspiration procedures under general supervision, has ignited sharp divisions among medical professionals, nurses, and patient advocacy groups.
The ruling coincides with ongoing discussions on the implementation of the Nursing Act, set to take effect in June 2025.
The court’s December 12 decision stemmed from a 2018 case involving Seoul Asan Hospital, where nurses conducted bone marrow aspirations. The court found that the procedure did not constitute a medical act exclusive to doctors, as long as trained nurses performed it under proper guidance.
Diverging Views on the Ruling
The Korean Medical Association (KMA) criticized the ruling, arguing it undermines the integrity of medical licensing and could lead to unsafe practices. The Korean Hospital Doctors’ Association called it a “misjudgment” that threatens the foundation of the healthcare system.
In contrast, the Korean Advanced Practice Nurses Association welcomed the decision as a reflection of evolving healthcare needs. They emphasized the importance of clear guidelines for safe task delegation amid doctor shortages.
Some hospitals in South Korea have controversially delegated tasks, traditionally reserved for physicians, to nurses. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Patient Concerns and Advocacy
Patient groups expressed mixed reactions. The Korea Leukemia Patients Association highlighted safety issues, citing survey results in which 60.5% of respondents believed bone marrow aspiration should remain a doctor-only procedure.
However, 38.1% of respondents reported undergoing repeated failed attempts during the procedure, leading some to prefer skilled nurses over inexperienced residents. The group called for clear guidelines to ensure patient safety and rights.
Implications for the Nursing Act
The ruling is expected to intensify debates over the Nursing Act’s enforcement decree, which will define nurses’ responsibilities. While the act passed the National Assembly in August 2024, details regarding nurses’ roles in invasive procedures remain unresolved.
Medical and nursing groups have urged policymakers to balance patient safety with healthcare efficiency through comprehensive discussions and guidelines.
The decision highlights the growing need to address healthcare workforce challenges and clarify boundaries between medical and nursing responsibilities, setting the stage for broader reform in South Korea’s healthcare system.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
