French Parliament Advances Bill Expanding Nurses' Roles to Include Consultations and Prescriptions

The proposed legislation, approved unanimously in its first reading, seeks to address medical shortages by granting nurses new responsibilities such as diagnostics and limited prescribing authority.

The French National Assembly has approved in its first reading a bill redefining the nursing profession to include consultations and diagnostic authority.
The legislation introduces the concept of 'nurse consultations' and allows nurses to prescribe certain medical products, with specifics to be outlined by future decrees.
The reform aims to alleviate the strain caused by medical deserts, where access to general practitioners is limited, by leveraging nurses' widespread presence across the country.
Proponents emphasize that the changes are meant to complement, not replace, the role of doctors, ensuring collaborative healthcare delivery.
Critics, including medical unions, have raised concerns about potential overreach, while others call for further improvements in nurse training, remuneration, and working conditions.