Delegation of Doctor’s Authority to Nurses in Emergency Services Based on the Principles of the Medical Code of Ethics

ABSTRACT : The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of an effective system in handling emergencies to reduce mortality and disability (WHO, 2023). In Indonesia, this service is regulated in Law No. 17 of 2023 concerning Health and Regulation of the Minister of Health No. 47 of 2018 concerning Emergency Services. However, obstacles in its implementation still occur, especially related to the limited number of medical personnel, especially doctors, in remote areas. The purpose of this study is to examine the delegation of authority of doctors to nurses in emergency services based on the principles of the Medical Code of Ethics. This study uses a normative legal approach with a literature study method. Data were collected from primary legal materials, such as Law No. 17 of 2023 concerning Health, and secondary legal materials in the form of journals and related literature (Huda & Huda, 2021). The analysis was carried out using a statute approach and a conceptual approach to examine applicable regulations and their suitability to practices in the field. The results of the study indicate that the delegation of authority from doctors to nurses in emergency services is a common practice in Indonesia, especially in areas with limited medical personnel. However, existing regulations do not specifically regulate the limits and mechanisms for the delegation of authority. Therefore, a clearer policy revision is needed regarding the delegation of authority in emergency services as well as increased training for nurses to minimize the risk of medical errors.

KEYWORDS : Delegation of Authority, Emergency Services, Principles of Medical Code of Ethics