What day is October 26? Is a practicing license compulsory for nursing professionals in Vietnam?

What day is October 26?

On October 26, 1990, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers issued Decision 375-CT of 1990 allowing the establishment of the Vietnam Nurses and Midwives Association.

Thus, October 26 of every year is Vietnam Nursing Day

October 26 was chosen as Vietnam Nursing Day to honor and express gratitude to nurses who tirelessly care for patients day and night. This is an important day to show appreciation and special affection towards those dedicated to the nursing profession and compassionate patient care.

In 1986, during the 8th Congress, a landmark in the country's history took place, leading to comprehensive changes in all socio-economic sectors. The Ministry of Health began identifying the need to establish key medical training schools.

From that, Hanoi Medical University and Ho Chi Minh City Medicine and Pharmacy University were officially established, becoming the first two schools specializing in nursing training in Vietnam. By 1990, Health Departments were set up across the country, recognizing the need for a professional organization to ensure the rights for the nursing sector, especially for the nurses.

On October 26, 1990, the Association of Vietnam Nurses was officially established. Since then, the 26th of October each year has been designated as Vietnam Nursing Day.

What day is October 26? Is a practicing license compulsory for nursing professionals in Vietnam?​ (Image from Internet)

Is a practicing license compulsory for nursing professionals in Vietnam?

According to Article 26 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023, it is specified that professional titles must have a practicing license:

Article 26. Professional titles must have a practicing license

1. Professional titles requiring a practicing license include:

a) Doctor;

b) Physician;

c) Nurse;

d) Midwife;

dd) Medical technician;

e) Clinical nutritionist;

g) Paramedic;

h) Clinical psychologist;

i) Traditional medicine practitioner;

k) Persons with traditional family remedies or traditional treatment methods.

2. The Government of Vietnam regulates the professional titles and conditions for the issuance, reissuance, extension, adjustment, suspension, and revocation of practicing licenses for additional professional titles beyond those specified in Clause 1 of this Article, compatible with the economic-social development status of the country in each period after reporting to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.

3. The Minister of Health shall stipulate the scope of practice for each professional title.

Thus, nursing is among the professional titles requiring a medical examination and treatment practicing license.

What are cases of revocation of licenses to practice medicine in Vietnam?

Based on Article 35 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023, which regulates the revocation of practicing licenses in Vietnam:

Article 35. Revocation of a practicing license

1. A practicing license is revoked in the following cases:

a) The application dossier for a practicing license is non-conformable;

b) Forgery of documents in the application for a practicing license;

c) Incorrect issuance of a professional title or scope of practice in the practicing license compared to the application dossier for a practicing license;

d) The practitioner does not practice continuously for 24 months, except when participating in a specialized training program;

dd) The practitioner falls under one of the prohibitions specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 of Article 20 of this Law;

[...]

Therefore, a medical examination and treatment practicing license is revoked in the following instances:

[1] The application dossier for a practicing license is non-conformable

[2] Forgery of documents in the application for a practicing license

[3] Incorrect issuance of a professional title or scope of practice in the practicing license compared to the application dossier for a practicing license

[4] The practitioner does not practice continuously for 24 months, except when participating in a specialized training program

[5] The practitioner falls under one of the following prohibitions:

- Being investigated for criminal responsibility related to professional technical violations.

- Undergoing a suspended sentence, re-education without detention for violations related to professional technical expertise.

- Under probation related to a prison sentence for professional technical expertise violations but granted early parole.

- Serving a prison sentence or undergoing administrative measures at compulsory education or rehabilitation centers.

- Lacking civil act capacity or having difficulty in cognition, behavior management, or limited legal capacity.

[6] The practitioner is determined by the professional council to have professional technical errors serious enough to revoke the practicing license;

[7] The practitioner is determined for the second time by the professional council to have technical errors to the extent of practice suspension within the validity term of the practicing license

[8] The practitioner is determined for the second time by the competent state authority to have ethical violations serious enough to suspend practice within the validity term of the practicing license

[9] The practitioner voluntarily requests the revocation of the practicing license

[10] Other cases as regulated by the Government of Vietnam after reporting to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.