(de-news.net) – In a major effort to counteract escalating healthcare expenditures, the German Bundestag has passed a comprehensive savings package totaling 2 billion euros for the statutory health insurance system. The primary objective of this measure is to prevent a rise in insurance premiums in the coming fiscal year, thereby safeguarding affordability for insured individuals and ensuring financial sustainability within the healthcare sector.
The most substantial portion of the savings package focuses on hospital remuneration. Under the new framework, increases in payments to hospitals will be strictly limited to reflect only actual cost increases. This adjustment is intended to curb excessive spending and promote greater efficiency in hospital operations. According to estimates from the Federal Ministry of Health, this measure alone could generate savings of up to 1.8 billion euros. In addition, administrative costs within the statutory health insurance system are slated for a reduction of 100 million euros, contributing further to the overall savings target.
Complementing the financial reforms, the Bundestag also adopted a legislative proposal aimed at reducing bureaucratic burdens in the nursing profession. The bill, which received support from the CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups, was passed during the afternoon session. The AfD voted against the proposal, while the Greens and the Left Party chose to abstain. Final enactment of the legislation remains contingent upon approval by the Bundesrat.
The proposed law seeks to enhance the professional autonomy of nursing staff by expanding their scope of practice. Qualified nurses will be permitted to perform a broader range of medical tasks, including those traditionally reserved for physicians. These may include procedures such as wound dressing, blood sampling, and monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes. The goal is to improve patient care delivery and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system by making better use of available nursing expertise.
A specialized commission will be established to formally define the specific tasks that may be delegated to nursing professionals, ensuring that responsibilities are aligned with individual qualifications and training levels. Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken (CDU) underscored that granting nurses greater authority will not only improve healthcare outcomes but also enhance the attractiveness of nursing careers, thereby addressing the persistent shortage of skilled personnel in the sector.
The legislation also includes proposed amendments to the Nursing Professions Act to clarify that nursing professionals may broaden the scope of their acquired competencies to engage in some level of medical practice. These competencies may be attained through academic nursing programs at universities or through nationally standardized continuing education pathways.
