Chamber of Physicians Sees Itself Unjustly Criticized for Nursing Competence

The Medical Association (ÖÄK) does not see itself as a hindrance in the discussion that flared up at the beginning of the week about expanding competencies for nursing professionals. "We are in favor of implementation," said Klaus Kubin, head of the Health Professions Department, regarding the planned medication "prescription" by nursing staff to APA. However, it is about the question of the medications on the list. On Monday, the Health and Nursing Association (ÖGKV) criticized the slow implementation.

Criticism from the Nursing Association

ÖGKV Vice President Inge Köberl-Hiebler criticized on Ö1 radio that the competency expansion for certified nursing staff, decided in July of the previous year, has not yet been implemented. Specifically, it is stuck on the medication list to be determined by regulation, which is currently still under negotiation between ÖGKV and the Medical Association.

The Ministry of Health stated on Monday that it supports the process and hopes for a viable consensus. The ÖGKV has already submitted very comprehensive lists of medications. "However, this exceeded the current legal requirements of the Health and Nursing Act (GuKG) and was therefore rejected by the Austrian Medical Association," according to the ministry's written statement. Therefore, the ministry requested the ÖGKV in September to develop a legally compliant list and to continue discussions with the Medical Association and other involved organizations.

Köberl-Hiebler previously explained that the process is currently lagging "because the mandatory interest groups are vetoing here," referring to the Medical Association.

Medical Association: Waiting for Submission of the List

ÖÄK Department Head Kubin now said in response to an APA inquiry that the Medical Association is waiting for the submission of the actually already negotiated draft for the medication list by the Nursing Association. "The last negotiated list would be acceptable for the Austrian Medical Association."

If "individual parts of the ÖGKV are disappointed that the list is not extensive enough, I can only say: The law does not allow for more." Furthermore, they are always committed to patient safety and compliance.

The chamber has "without any discussion" included all non-prescription medications in the list, according to Kubin. However, for medications like painkillers or antibiotics, "profound expertise" is needed, thus requiring the involvement of a doctor.

Reference to Legal Limits

"We strongly reject the notion that we are taking an obstructive position. We were extremely cooperative and are surprised by the current development," emphasized Kubin. And: "We are not opposed to the whole thing."

The principle of expanding competencies is welcomed by the medical chamber, he said. It is about - especially in long-term care - not having to go through a doctor for certain medications, the department head mentioned, for example, preparations for skin and wound care.

New Regulation Already Decided for 2024, Implementation Pending

Schumann's predecessor Johannes Rauch (Greens) had pushed the new regulation forward - also with reference to the fact that such prescriptions by nursing staff are quite normal in other countries. The innovation is intended to bring more competencies to certified nursing staff.

Currently, even certified nursing staff are not allowed to independently procure and distribute non-prescription medications for those in their care. For example, if a nursing home resident needs a headache remedy available without a prescription at the pharmacy, it must still be prescribed by a doctor, who in these facilities (unlike in hospitals) is often not easily accessible. The same problem exists in home nursing care: Here too, a doctor must be involved in the procurement.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.