On March 10, 2025, the National Assembly of France made significant strides toward modernizing the nursing profession by unanimously adopting the "nursing law." This law, which was passed during the evening hours, aims to redefine the roles and responsibilities of the country's 640,000 nurses amid growing concerns surrounding medical access.
Data from the Senate indicates the seriousness of the issue: as of 2022, around 30% of the French population found themselves living in what are termed "medical deserts," areas where healthcare services are scarce. This shortage has added immense pressure to healthcare providers, leading legislators to take action. "It's time to trust these health professionals and clearly communicate their importance to the healthcare of the French people," argued Frédéric Valletoux, the president of the social affairs committee and former Minister of Health, during the vote.
The newly passed legislation lays the groundwork for several key transformations within the nursing profession. Among the most notable changes is the introduction of "nursing consultations" and "nursing diagnosis," allowing nurses to provide more comprehensive care. These consultations reflect the evolution of nurses' competencies, empowering them to perform not only curative and palliative care but also to take on roles traditionally reserved for physicians.
According to the propositions laid out by the Minister of Health, Yannick Neuder, the law aims to formalize the recognition of these expanded functions. "This is about concretizing the redesign of the profession within the law," Neuder expressed, highlighting the necessity of this evolution as demands on healthcare systems continue to grow.
The legislation defines five core missions for nurses: providing curative, palliative, and relational care; monitoring patients' health paths and guiding them; engaging in preventive healthcare including screening and therapeutic education; participating in peer training; and conducting research. This repositioning indicates not merely reshuffling responsibilities but also elevates the status of nurses within the healthcare sphere.
Importantly, the new law empowers nurses to prescribe certain medications, which will be listed by order and reviewed every three years. This right to prescribe marks a historic shift, as nurses have increasingly taken on tasks such as vaccination and managing chronic patient follow-ups, effectively bridging gaps left by physician shortages.
The report from Midi Libre emphasizes the importance of this legislative change amid the rising challenges of health service access, especially prevalent within rural communities. "The absence of healthcare professionals has caused serious strains on the existing systems, and with the pandemic and other pressures, there is no doubt this reform was necessary," noted nurse representative Nicole Dubré-Chirat.
The National Federation of Nursing Students welcomed the unanimous vote, stating it had been 20 years in the making and expressing hope for the future of the nursing profession. They welcomed the inclusion of voices from the profession and applauded the legislators who integrated the needs and suggestions articulated during negotiations.
Despite efforts to advance the profession, some challenges remain. While the law opens avenues for new responsibilities, it does not incorporate the addition of a fourth year of nursing education, which had been highly advocated by various professional organizations. This proposal fell short during discussions, but the continued dialogue on educational standards remains a pressing item on the agenda.
On the topic of remuneration, there is still much work to be done. Several amendments passed during the legislative discussions called for negotiations concerning nurses' pay to take place, coinciding with the publication of future orders detailing their activities. "A substantial milestone has been reached for improved access to care and deserved recognition of nurses, but challenges and discussions will continue as we move forward," Dubré-Chirat remarked, highlighting the balancing act between advancing professional roles and ensuring equitable compensation.
While the law has been successfully adopted by the Assembly, it still requires passage through the Senate, where debates are expected to intensify, reflecting reservations from some medical professionals about nurses encroaching on traditional doctor roles. Nonetheless, proponents of the legislation assert it should not be viewed as competition but rather as complementary collaboration within the healthcare framework.
With rapid changes on the horizon, the Ministry of Health advocates for quick ratification of the law through the Senate, aiming for transitions and negotiations to begin by September, when frameworks for pricing and practice can be established. This legislative action is widely seen as pivotal for revitalizing France’s healthcare system and ensuring nurses can operate effectively within it.
This universal approval by the National Assembly showcases growing recognition of the nursing profession's fundamental contributions to patient care and public health. The path forward is filled with relentless advocacy, not only for enhanced roles but also for the systems supporting them. The developments echo far beyond legislative chambers, signaling broader efforts to refine the healthcare ecosystem across the country as we navigate pressing public health challenges.
Overall, the unanimous support for the nursing law reflects the urgent need for reform within France's healthcare system and the recognition of nurses as indispensable assets. The pathways forged by the Assembly could set new standards for nursing practice, aiming to resolve the care accessibility issue plagued by medical deserts and skill shortages.