The German government has approved the introduction of a nationwide, standardized training program for nursing assistants. A draft bill, spearheaded by Federal Minister for Family Affairs Karin Prien and Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken (both CDU), was formally presented on Wednesday.
The new training aims to replace the current 27 state-level regulated programs for nursing aides and assistants, streamlining the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. The Nursing Assistant Introduction Act establishes a distinct, nationwide professional profile for nursing assistants, facilitating greater mobility for qualified individuals seeking employment in different federal states.
“The number of people requiring care is steadily increasing” stated Minister Warken. “To ensure continued high-quality care, we require a broad spectrum of professional qualifications”. The bill, approved by the cabinet, lays the groundwork for a standardized, generalist training program for nursing assistants.
Alongside the nursing assistant legislation, the cabinet also approved expanded authority for nursing staff and measures to reduce administrative burdens within the sector. The Nursing Competence Act intends to grant nurses greater decision-making power. This legislation initially faced delays due to the dissolution of the previous coalition government, leading to its reintroduction in an updated form.
The German Association of Elderly and Disabled Care (VDAB) has expressed concerns that the approved care legislation falls short of expectations. “Both laws fail to meet the hopes of many nursing professionals” commented VDAB Federal Managing Director Thomas Knieling, speaking to Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers. VDAB represents the employer association of private care providers and advocates for the interests of over 1,800 member companies in both ambulatory and stationary elderly and disability care.
Knieling further elaborated that the Nursing Competence Act’s announced transfers of competence and adjustments to remuneration are “little more than minor corrections” and that genuine relief and increased autonomy, particularly regarding the prescription of assistive devices, remain absent. He argued that the draft missed an opportunity to sustainably strengthen the nursing profession. He also stated that the nursing assistant legislation addresses the issues superficially.
“A nationwide standardized training program is important, but from a practical perspective, the duration of the training should remain one year to effectively address the acute shortage of qualified personnel” added the VDAB leader. He urged for further development of both laws to ensure they adequately respond to “the real-world challenges in care”.
