Polish Ministry of Health expands hospital support list and nurse prescribing rights

The Polish Ministry of Health has proposed a two‑year extension of the hospital list within the Basic Hospital Guarantees (PSZ) system, pushing the current deadline from June 2027 to 2029. The amendment aims to secure stable financing for about 87 restructuring hospitals, allowing them to adjust service profiles while retaining part of the lump‑sum payments. The draft law is open for public consultation and aligns with the National Recovery Plan to increase flexibility in hospital funding.

At the same time, the ministry plans to broaden the scope of medicines and diagnostic tests that nurses and midwives may prescribe and refer to. The changes are intended to support the rollout of an infectious‑disease Nurse‑Led Clinic, improve patient access, and alleviate doctor workload during peak seasonal infection periods. Existing prescribing powers will be expanded, though the specific additional substances and tests will be detailed in a forthcoming regulation. The proposals have drawn criticism from some physician groups while nursing bodies endorse the reforms.