J Korean Acad Nurs.  2024 Aug;54(3):300-310. 10.4040/jkan.24075.

Legal and Practical Solutions for the Expanding the Roles of Medical Support Staff Nurses

• Choi SJ
• Kim MY

• KMID: 2559043
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.24075

Abstract

Purpose
Medical support staff nurses have traditionally performed various supportive tasks for physicians, often extending beyond standard nursing roles. Despite these long-standing practices, there is a notable lack of official recognition and legal protection for these expanded responsibilities, leading to increasing legal concerns. Therefore, there is a need for proposing a rational solution to address these issues.
Methods
The number of medical support staff nurses is rising, particularly as they fill gaps left by the 2024 resident physician strike. The study focuses on identifying potential challenges arising from this shift and developing strategic improvements to address these challenges effectively.
Results
This study proposed legally expanding the scope of nursing duties and creating a robust system for training and certifying nurses to handle these responsibilities effectively, by integrating these roles within the advanced practice nurse (APN) framework.
Conclusion
Integrating these roles within the framework of APN can offer a sustainable and legally sound solution to the ongoing healthcare crisis, ensuring patient safety and safeguarding healthcare workers’ legal rights.

Keyword

Advanced Practice Nursing; Physician Assistants; Scope of Practice; Certification; Quality Control