New work rules on nurse placement
Stick and carrot approach of compensation, charges and bans to improve spread of healthcare across France
NURSES will have their choice of working locations limited by a new law that came into effect this week.
The measures have been introduced to improve the spread of nurses across France,
In “very over-supplied” areas, including the Mediterranean coast, Corsica and Brittany, nurses will only be able to work there if they are replacing another person who is retiring.
On the other hand, if they go to “very under-supplied” areas they will get compensation, which could amount to as much as €18,000 in three years.
The move follows discussions between the state health insurance authorities and nursing unions. In return for accepting new limitations, the nurses’ have been allowed to increase their tariffs by 5%.
One union, Snil, has said the definitions of some geographical areas are inaccurate – for example Corsica actually lacks nurses, they say. However the Health Ministry has said the detail of the zones is still being worked out.
The Hôpital, Patients, Santé, Territoires law, which is awaiting approval by the Senate, contains a proposal that doctors in over-supplied areas must spend time in poorly covered areas or face fines.
