Opposition Direct Referral of Nursing Act to Plenary Session 'Deferred'... Kim Jin-pyo "Additional Discussion Until Next Plenary Session"

Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Jin-pyo did not put forward the nursing law alternative, which was directly referred to the plenary session, on the agenda on the 13th. Speaker Kim postponed the submission of the nursing law to the next plenary session, citing additional discussions between the ruling and opposition parties.

Regarding the nursing law alternative requested for a change in the agenda by Democratic Party lawmakers, Speaker Kim said, "As a result of the agreement between the floor leaders of both parties, consultations are underway between the government and related organizations," adding, "The nursing law alternative will be handled at the next plenary session after further discussions between the ruling and opposition parties to prepare a reasonable alternative, and the consent to change the agenda submitted today will not be put to a vote."

Although the nursing law was not originally scheduled to be submitted at the plenary session that day, the Democratic Party attempted to process the nursing law through a change in the agenda. However, Speaker Kim postponed the plenary vote, citing the need for additional discussions.

When Speaker Kim called the leaders of both parties to consult regarding the agenda change, opposition lawmakers including those from the Democratic Party chanted "vote." In response, lawmakers from the People Power Party shouted "trick" and countered.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Speaker Kim also postponed the vote on the Grain Management Act, citing additional discussions between the ruling and opposition parties. At that time, Speaker Kim said, "I have been consulting with the representative lawmakers of the negotiating groups about adding agenda items," and added, "I hope the vote on the consent to change the agenda submitted today will be postponed and that the ruling and opposition parties will continue to reach an agreement on the Grain Management Act."

The nursing law separates the nurse regulations included in the current Medical Service Act, clarifies the duties of nurses, specialized nurses, and nursing assistants, and stipulates the state's responsibility for improving working conditions and treatment. Currently, the Korean Medical Association opposes the nursing law, citing concerns such as the possibility of independent practice. In response, the Korean Nurses Association refutes the Medical Association's claims, stating that independent practice is impossible under the nursing law.

The nursing law was originally supported by President Yoon Suk-yeol during the last presidential election campaign.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.