Enhanced skills in health and social care – regulation of the profession of assistant nurse - Government Bill 2020/21:175

Stärkt kompetens i vård och omsorg – reglering av undersköterskeyrket

The Government Bill 2020/21:175, Enhanced skills in health and social care – regulation of the profession of assistant nurse has the purpose to ensure the competence of assistant nurses by introducing a protected professional title. The law thus aims to enhance the quality and safety of care and social services. The law is mainly implemented by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs. Key stakeholders include municipalities, regions, and private care providers. It applies nationally across Sweden. It affects assistant nurses working in both municipal and regional healthcare and social services, particularly in older care. Some of its main features are its protected title (only individuals with a certificate of competence can use the title “assistant nurse”), education requirements (the new educational content in the upper secondary school's health and social care program will be the basis for obtaining the protected title), transition measures (current assistant nurses can continue using their title for ten years without the new certification). The law emphasizes the importance of assistant nurses in care, ensuring they have the necessary skills and qualifications. The law was adopted on 8 April 2021.