Romanian Ministry of Health decentralizes hospital staffing approvals

The Romanian Ministry of Health has drafted an instruction to decentralize the management of personnel staffing levels within subordinate hospitals. Under the new procedure, hospital management will be able to update staffing lists locally without requiring prior approval from the Ministry for every individual change, provided they comply with existing laws.

This measure aims to reduce bureaucracy and increase administrative efficiency. For example, medical staff who obtain higher qualifications—such as a nurse completing higher education—will be able to transition to roles corresponding to their new studies through decisions made at the hospital level.

Minister of Health Cseke Attila justified the move by noting the high volume of administrative paperwork, stating that in 2025, the institution issued 790 documents in this category, 740 of which were ministerial orders regarding personnel changes. While hospitals gain autonomy over individual staffing adjustments, the Ministry will maintain control over approved organizational structures, total number of positions, and budget limits. Hospital managers remain responsible for salary rights and promotions within their allocated budgets.

The instruction is not yet in effect; hospitals have ten days to submit observations before the final version is established.