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