"Can a nurse collect bone marrow?" ... Supreme Court's judgment is noted.

[Anchor]
There has been heated debate in the Supreme Court's public debate over whether even nurses, not doctors, can conduct bone marrow tests that collect bone marrow blood and tissue.

As the medical law or nursing law does not stipulate judgment on individual actions, attention is being paid to how the Supreme Court will present standards for the scope of nurses' work.

I'm reporter Kim Tae-won.

[Reporter]
The Asan Social Welfare Foundation was put on trial for violating the medical law after doctors instructed a tumor nurse to collect samples needed for bone marrow examination.

The issue was whether bone marrow collection was a medical practice that only doctors could do, or a medical assistance that nurses could do under the supervision of doctors.

Earlier, the first trial court acquitted the foundation, but the second trial reversed the judgment of the lower court, saying that bone marrow collection was a medical practice, and sentenced to a fine of 20 million won.

In the public hearing of the appeal held by the Supreme Court, the prosecution and the foundation's lawyers each attended a discussion with medical workers as reference.

The prosecution argued that bone marrow examination is a high-level medical practice that only doctors can do, so if a nurse performs it, it is an unlicensed medical practice.

He added that even if it is assumed to be a medical aid, specific instructions and supervision by doctors are essential as nurses cannot judge and cope with complications such as nerve damage or bleeding.

On the other hand, the foundation countered that bone marrow examination requires no high level of knowledge and skills because the procedure is simple and the possibility of serious side effects is very low.

It was also based on the fact that the Korean Blood Association, which includes many doctors majoring in hematology, expressed the opinion that experienced professional nurses can be tested.

As there are also conflicting opinions within the medical community over whether nurses can collect bone marrow, the Supreme Court's judgment is expected to have a significant impact on the medical field.

Based on statements and opinions from both sides, the Supreme Court will reach an agreement between the Supreme Court justices.

I'm Kim Taewon of YTN.

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