Nurses in Lithuania to gain more powers in emergency rooms from November

Beginning November 1, Lithuania's emergency rooms will implement a new procedure allowing nurses with expanded authority to independently assess and treat patients with less severe conditions. This significant change is expected to streamline emergency care processes and reduce patient wait times.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, aims to optimize the allocation of medical resources. By empowering nurses to handle a broader range of cases, doctors will be able to dedicate more time and expertise to patients with critical or complex medical needs. This shift is designed to improve the overall efficiency and responsiveness of the emergency medical services.

Services provided by these authorized nurses will be compensated through the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund, a state-run entity that finances healthcare services. The updated regulations also clarify the payment procedures for these services, particularly in situations where laboratory tests or equipment-based diagnostics are not required.

While doctors will continue to provide services in emergency care units, nurses with enhanced credentials will now share this responsibility. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive timely care, with medical professionals working within their scope of practice to manage a variety of conditions effectively.