Legal Protection for Nurses in Providing Health Services at Sub-Community Health Centers in Natuna Regency

A Case Study in Sub-Community Centers in Natuna Regency, Riau

Abstract

Abstract

Nurses serve as the frontline of the primary healthcare system, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas. The purpose of this study is to explore and understand the distribution of clinical authority granted to nurses in the practice of healthcare services at Sub- Community Health Centers, as well as to analyze the forms of legal protection provided to nurses delivering healthcare services in Sub-Community Health Centers in Natuna Regency, Riau. This study employs a qualitative approach with socio research design. Data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 14 nurses working at auxiliary health centers, the Chair of the Natuna Branch of the Indonesian National Nurses Association (DPD PPNI), the Head of the Natuna District Health Office, and three heads of Community Health Centers or physicians authorized to delegate clinical authority. The findings indicate that there is a practice of delegating authority to nurses, both verbally and in writing, with limited supervision from physicians. However, not all nurses fully understand the boundaries of nursing practice authority, and the delegation is not consistently supported by formal documentation, regular training, or adequate standard operating procedures (SOPs). Legal protection for nurses remains suboptimal, particularly in aspects such as documentation of delegation, implementation of active supervision, availability of professional liability insurance, and the role of professional organizations in providing legal assistance. 

keywords: Sub-Community Health Centers; Healthcare Services;Legal Protection; Nurses