On February 9th, the Polish Ministry of Health held a meeting focused on reforming the laws governing the professions of nursing and midwifery as well as those of physicians and dentists. The aim of these proposed changes is to clarify the competencies of nursing personnel and enhance the training of doctors. The Ministry plans to submit these reforms to the government’s work plan and will subsequently consult with the medical community regarding these changes.

The proposed reforms include the introduction of a mandatory points system for professional development in nursing, which would ensure continual education for nurses. Specializations in nursing will only be carried out at accredited centers approved by the Medical Continuing Education Center, with a reduction in the number of specializations and courses available. Additionally, the reform introduces three levels of nursing competencies – general, qualified, and clinical – to create a more structured and efficient healthcare workforce.

Moreover, the reform is set to confer expanded rights onto nurses, allowing them to perform functions such as certifying death in long-term and palliative care settings, along with issuing short-term medical certificates. These changes are viewed as a significant step in the modernization of healthcare in Poland, aimed at empowering nurses and acknowledging their vital role in patient care and health management, thereby potentially improving overall healthcare outcomes for the population.