DOJ backs proposed comprehensive nursing law

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has endorsed the enactment of the proposed Comprehensive Nursing Law.

In a two-page legal opinion released on Friday, the DOJ posed no objection to the consolidated Senate Bill 2720 and House Bill 6411.

“The objective of the bill is laudable. It guarantees the delivery of accessible, affordable and available quality health care to the people through the implementation of adequate and competent nursing personnel system,” read the opinion signed by Justice Undersecretary Zabedin Azis.

The DOJ said the proposed law was consistent with the state policy of adopting an “integrated and comprehensive approach to health development” under the Constitution.

It also upholds the welfare of nurses, in conformity with the government’s policy of protecting workers’ rights, Azis said.

The proposed law repeals Republic Act 9173 (Philippine Nursing Act of 2002) and expands the decision- making powers of the Board of Nursing.

It also mandates the creation of a council to accredit organized nursing groups and set standards for practice, education, research and management.

Under the bill, the Department of Health will be tasked to formulate an Advanced Practice Nursing Program to upgrade the skills of specialty nurses. It also sets the minimum basic pay of nurses in government hospitals at P26,000 (Salary Grade 15) per month under Executive Order 201.

The DOJ issued the opinion upon the request of Deputy Executive Secretary Mildred Yovela Umali-Hermogenes of the Office of the President’s Legislative Office.–