The House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill that seeks to improve the nursing practice in the country last Monday, August 23.
HB No. 9389 aims to uphold the welfare and dignity of nurses and improve the nursing profession by instituting measures to promote professional growth, promote comprehensive and relevant nursing practice standards, and provide just and humane working conditions.
Under the bill, the minimum base pay of all nurses, whether working in public or private healthcare facilities, in industrial or community settings, shall not, upon entry, be lower than the rate assigned to Salary Grade 15 (SG 15) in the government service.
For general units, the ratio of one nurse to ten patients will be observed; however, this may vary based on the assessed Safe Staffing Standard.
The measure also seeks to establish a National Chief Nursing Officer (NCNO), the highest-ranking nursing official of the Department of Health (DOH), whose primary function is to promote safe nursing and quality standards and implement nursing policies for the public and private sectors.
Among others, the bill also introduces and defines Advanced Practice Nursing in the Philippines, its qualifications, and responsibilities.
Source: House of Representatives of the Philippines
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