The South Korean Cabinet has passed a law aimed at reducing delays in hospital admissions for emergency patients, known as the 'Emergency Room Overcrowding Prevention Law.'
On October 13, President Lee Jae-myung presided over a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House, where the government reviewed and approved 41 legal proclamations, 20 presidential decrees, and 4 bills, including a revision to the Emergency Medical Law.
The approved revision allows the Central Emergency Medical Situation Room and the 119 Emergency Management Center to directly designate medical institutions for the transport and admission of critically ill patients if a suitable emergency medical facility is not promptly identified.
Notably, a new provision was added to exempt emergency medical personnel from criminal liability if a patient dies or is injured while they are providing necessary emergency care, provided there is no gross negligence.
Additionally, a bill aimed at preventing suicide and promoting a culture of life was also approved, which reduces civil and criminal liability for damages or deaths that occur while rescuing individuals at risk of suicide, as long as there is no intent or gross negligence.
In the welfare sector, a revision to the National Pension Law was passed, recognizing the entire period of military service for veterans starting next year as qualifying for National Pension enrollment.
This revision also includes provisions for applying 'reciprocity' to foreign nationals regarding future contributions to the National Pension and benefits for dependents, allowing only citizens of countries that permit similar benefits for overseas Koreans.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.