The Concerns of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA)
The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) has expressed opposition to the hiring of unlicensed health care workers or Clinical Care Associates (CCAs). According to PNA President Dr. Elmer Bondoc, this practice could potentially lead to liabilities and medical malpractice in the health care sector.
During a discussion on the Manila Times’ Reel Times, Dr. Bondoc highlighted the proposal by the Department of Health (DOH) to issue licenses to individuals who did not pass the board exam as a prelude to the CCAs. However, the PNA blocked this proposal, citing the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, also known as Republic Act 9173. According to this act, licenses can only be granted to licensed practitioners and not to those who are “underboards.”
Dr. Bondoc emphasized that CCAs cannot replace or serve as complementary workers without a registered nurse (RN). He explained that being licensed is the gateway to the world of a professional nurse, and without a license, one cannot practice at the same level. Therefore, the role of a CCA is that of a step-down care provider compared to that of a nurse.
Furthermore, Dr. Bondoc highlighted the potential risks associated with CCAs who perform tasks they were trained for but lack a license. Any errors or mistakes made by these individuals would ultimately fall upon their supervisors, particularly the chief nurse, who would be held liable for any negligence.
Dr. Bondoc also referred to the guidelines in the agreement between the DOH and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) regarding the duties of CCAs. He emphasized that certain roles and responsibilities can only be performed by licensed nurses and cannot be delegated to CCAs, as they are nursing responsibilities. Ultimately, registered nurses are still responsible for overseeing the activities of CCAs.
It is worth noting that last year, the DOH and CHED signed an agreement for a customized nursing review program to be offered to CCAs and underboard nursing graduates. This program aims to enhance their chances of passing the nurse licensure examination.
In addition to the concerns raised by the PNA, there are also other potential issues that may arise from the hiring of unlicensed health care workers. One such concern is the quality of patient care. Licensed nurses undergo rigorous training and education to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective care to patients. By allowing unlicensed individuals to perform nursing tasks, there is a risk of compromising the quality of care provided.
Another concern is the potential impact on the nursing profession as a whole. Nursing is a regulated profession that requires individuals to meet specific standards and qualifications. By bypassing the licensure process and hiring unlicensed workers, it undermines the value and importance of obtaining a nursing license. This could potentially lead to a decrease in the number of individuals pursuing nursing as a career, as the profession may become less attractive and less respected.
Furthermore, the hiring of unlicensed health care workers may also have legal implications. In the event of medical malpractice or negligence, it may be more difficult to hold unlicensed workers accountable compared to licensed professionals. This could create a loophole in the legal system, leaving patients with limited recourse in seeking justice for any harm caused.
Overall, the concerns raised by the PNA regarding the hiring of unlicensed health care workers are valid and should be taken into consideration. It is important to prioritize patient safety and ensure that individuals providing care have the necessary qualifications and skills. While efforts to support underboard nursing graduates and CCAs in passing the licensure examination are commendable, it should not be at the expense of compromising the standards and integrity of the nursing profession.
Efforts to Improve Health Workers’ Benefits
In contrast to the concerns raised by the PNA, a lawmaker, Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Keith Flores, has pledged to prioritize the approval of his pending bill. The bill seeks to raise the compensation of health care workers by amending the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers.
Representative Flores, in a statement, expressed his commitment to push House Bill 9255, which he filed in September 2023. This bill aims to amend certain provisions of the law, particularly in terms of night shift differentials, hazard pay, and other allowances for public health workers.
The statement from Representative Flores comes after the DOH announced that it has received PHP 91 billion from the Department of Budget and Management for health emergency allowances for health care frontliners.
Efforts to improve the benefits of health workers have gained traction in recent years, as the vital role they play in society has become increasingly apparent. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has highlighted the importance of adequately compensating and supporting these frontline workers who put their lives on the line to care for others.
Representative Flores’ bill, House Bill 9255, addresses some of the key concerns raised by health care workers. One of the proposed amendments is to provide better compensation for night shifts, recognizing the additional challenges and sacrifices health workers face when working during unconventional hours. By increasing night shift differentials, the bill aims to incentivize health care professionals to take on these shifts while ensuring they are fairly compensated.
In addition to night shift differentials, the bill also seeks to improve hazard pay and other allowances for public health workers. Hazard pay is crucial, especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, where health care workers are exposed to higher risks of infection and face unprecedented challenges in providing care. By increasing hazard pay, the bill aims to acknowledge the extraordinary circumstances health workers face and provide them with the financial support they deserve.
Furthermore, the bill recognizes the need for comprehensive benefits for health care workers. It aims to enhance allowances such as transportation, meal, and housing allowances, ensuring that health workers have access to essential resources that enable them to perform their duties effectively. These allowances are crucial in alleviating the financial burden on health workers and promoting their overall well-being.
The statement from Representative Flores and the allocation of PHP 91 billion by the DOH for health emergency allowances demonstrate a growing recognition of the importance of improving health workers’ benefits. However, the passage of the bill and the implementation of these measures will require continued advocacy and support from lawmakers, government agencies, and the public. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of health workers and ensure that they are adequately compensated and supported as they continue to play a critical role in safeguarding public health.
Source: The Manila Times
