Development of the Korean Nursing Profession with Changes in its Legal Basis

Abstract

Background: To identify howthe self-regulation and specialization of nursing have changed with nursing-related legislation, the Medical Service Act in South Korea and factors influencing these changes. Method: We conducted a systematic analysis of nursing-related legislation and a literature review to identify how the nursing profession has developed with legislative changes. Results: We identified four main categories of change innursing self-regulation, along with the background leading to these changes and their subsequent impact on the policies of nursing education and practice. Those four categories were “nursing licensure,”“scope of nursing practice,”“self-regulation by professional nursing association,” and “accreditation of nursing education programs.” Conclusion: Our summary of the notable revisions in the Medical Service Act and various bylaws can help to identify their socioeconomic, cultural, and environment impacts on nursing professionals’ advancement.