Vienna to legally integrate nursing assistants into staffing requirements

Vienna is moving to legally establish the role of nursing assistants (Pflegefachassistenz) within the city's operating permit law for residential and nursing homes. An amendment to the law is set to undergo review in the coming days.

Following a major expansion of nursing training in Vienna, approximately 1,800 individuals have already completed the nursing assistant program. Health Councilor Peter Hacker stated that the legal recognition is necessary to allow these trained professionals to officially perform their duties, which they were previously restricted from doing due to legal frameworks.

The amendment will also restructure staffing requirements. While the current mandate requires 30 percent of staff to be registered nurses, the new regulation will set a minimum of 15 percent registered nurses and a corresponding 15 percent for nursing assistants. The total number of employees is expected to remain unchanged.