The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced proposed amendments to the Enforcement Rules of the Emergency Medical Service Act. The main goal is to enhance the capacity of emergency medical centers to treat critically ill and emergency patients. This policy revision responds to recent changes in the Emergency Medical Service Act and aims to clarify detailed requirements for emergency care delivery. The amendments are designed to ensure that emergency medical institutions have the necessary facilities, staff, and operational protocols to provide timely and effective care.
These changes will impact regional and local emergency medical centers, medical professionals, and patients requiring urgent care. The new standards specify the required medical functions, such as intubation, defibrillation, and mechanical ventilation, as well as post-emergency procedures like critical care and emergency surgeries. The amendments also increase staffing requirements, expand eligible medical specialties for emergency duty, and adjust facility standards, including dedicated beds for emergency admissions and intensive care. Hospitals must have specialized departments and dedicated medical staff to meet these new criteria.
The proposed amendments were released for public consultation on February 27, 2024, with feedback accepted until April 8, 2024. During this period, stakeholders and the public can submit their opinions to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Emergency Medical Division or via the National Participation Legislation Center. After the consultation, the Ministry will finalize and implement the revised rules. The changes reflect both legislative updates and the need to improve emergency response systems.
Frequently asked questions include how the new rules affect emergency centers and what additional resources are required. The amendments require more dedicated emergency physicians based on patient volume and expand the range of medical specialties eligible for emergency duty. Another common question is how the public can participate in the consultation process; opinions can be submitted by mail, email, or through the online portal until April 8, 2024.
Metaqsol opinion: The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s proposed amendments are a timely and necessary response to evolving healthcare needs in Korea. By increasing staffing requirements, expanding eligible medical specialties, and updating facility standards, the policy aims to ensure that emergency medical centers are better prepared for critical and emergency cases. The public consultation period provides an important opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the final rules. These changes, grounded in legislative updates and practical needs, are likely to improve emergency care delivery and patient outcomes.