A recent decree published on April 25th in the Official Journal now allows State-licensed and volunteer nurses the ability to write death certificates “at any time”. This expands on an ongoing experimentation in six regions of France since December 2023, as outlined in the 2022 Social Security financing law. Prior to this decree, nurses could only write a certificate in cases where a doctor was unavailable within a “reasonable time frame”. Now, trained and voluntary nurses will be able to establish these certificates “at any time”.
In order to benefit from this measure, nurses must have a minimum of three years of experience and undergo a specific training program. The Ministry of Health has already trained 1,217 nurses in anticipation of this development. This decree is part of a broader effort to strengthen the role of nurses and better support families during moments of grief. Approximately 150,000 deaths occur at home each year, highlighting the importance of having qualified healthcare professionals available to assist in these situations.
Minister of Health, Frédéric Valletoux, emphasized the need to trust a greater number of healthcare professionals within the context of a strained healthcare system. By expanding the responsibilities of nurses, the goal is to provide better support to the French population while ensuring that each professional remains within their respective roles. This shift aligns with ongoing efforts to redefine the nursing profession, addressing issues such as compensation, new skills, and preventative measures. Nurses are essential members of the healthcare workforce, and empowering them to take on additional responsibilities can improve overall patient care.
The ability for nurses to write death certificates is a significant expansion of their role within the healthcare system. This change not only provides greater flexibility in terms of when these certificates can be issued, but also reflects a broader strategy to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of healthcare delivery in France. By leveraging the skills and experience of nurses, particularly in situations where doctors may not be readily available, the healthcare system can better meet the needs of the population.
Overall, the decree allowing nurses to write death certificates represents a step towards a more collaborative and efficient healthcare system. By recognizing the expertise of nurses and empowering them to take on additional responsibilities, the government is seeking to improve the quality of care provided to patients and families. This shift also demonstrates a commitment to redefining the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals in order to better meet the evolving needs of the population. As the healthcare landscape continues to change, initiatives like this decree will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in France.
