French Nurses Push for Fair Compensation and Expanded Roles
Negotiations are reaching a critical point for French nurses, particularly those working as independent liberal nurses (IDELs). Key concerns center around the reevaluation of the acte médico-infirmier (AMI) – a standard nursing act – and the implementation of new responsibilities granted by the June 2025 nursing law. The current AMI rate, frozen for over a decade at 3.15 euros, is a major sticking point.
AMI Revaluation: A Long-Awaited Increase
The Assurance Maladie (French Health Insurance) has proposed a phased increase to the AMI rate: 20 centimes in summer 2026, followed by an additional 5 centimes at the end of 2027. However, the Syndicat National des Infirmières et Infirmiers Libéraux (SNIIL) argues this is insufficient. SNIIL President John Pinte emphasizes that the increase must reflect the expanded responsibilities outlined in the new law and the rising costs faced by private practices.
Accelerating the Rollout of Nurse Consultations
A central element of the June 2025 law is the authorization of nurse consultations, granting nurses the autonomy to prescribe treatment for certain conditions, such as wound care, without prior medical consultation. While the framework for these consultations is included in the proposed agreement, the Assurance Maladie initially suggested a launch date of July 2027. Nurses are advocating for immediate implementation alongside the agreement’s ratification.
Addressing the Challenges of Complex Patient Care
IDELs are too seeking better compensation for caring for patients with complex, long-term conditions. The current flat rate of 28.70 euros per day is considered inadequate, leading some nurses to avoid these cases. The SNIIL proposes a system of majorization based on a patient evaluation grid, with ongoing negotiations with the Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie (CNAM) to determine appropriate valuation levels.
A Profession Under Strain
The negotiations come amid growing concerns about the sustainability of the nursing profession in France. Rising administrative burdens, long working hours, and stagnant profits are driving nurses to leave the field. Nearly 600 IDELs ended their careers in 2024 alone. Despite increasing revenues, cabinet profits are not keeping pace with inflation, eroding nurses’ purchasing power.
A negotiation session was scheduled for March 26, 2026, with hopes for a resolution that would allow the agreement’s provisions to accept effect in January 2027. However, the outcome remains uncertain.
The Future of Nursing in France: Key Trends
The current negotiations signal several key trends shaping the future of nursing in France:
- Increased Autonomy: The June 2025 law represents a significant step towards greater autonomy for nurses, empowering them to take on more responsibility for patient care.
- Value-Based Care: The push for a majorization system for complex patient care reflects a broader shift towards value-based care models, where reimbursement is tied to the complexity and quality of care provided.
- Workforce Sustainability: Addressing the challenges faced by nurses – including workload, compensation, and administrative burden – is crucial to ensuring a sustainable workforce.
- Digital Health Integration: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources, the broader healthcare landscape in France is increasingly focused on digital health solutions, which could play a role in streamlining administrative tasks and improving care coordination for nurses.
FAQ
Q: What is the AMI?
A: The acte médico-infirmier (AMI) is a standard nursing act in France, and its reimbursement rate is a key concern for nurses.
Q: What does the June 2025 law change for nurses?
A: The law legally defines the nursing profession, clarifies roles, and grants new rights, including the ability to conduct nurse consultations and prescribe treatment for certain conditions.
Q: What is the main point of contention in the current negotiations?
A: The revaluation of the AMI and the timeline for implementing nurse consultations are the primary issues under discussion.
Q: Why are nurses leaving the profession?
A: Factors contributing to nurses leaving include increasing administrative burdens, long working hours, stagnant profits, and the rising cost of living.
Did you know? The nursing law of June 2025 is considered a historic reform for the profession in France, representing the first time the role is legally defined.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the latest developments in French healthcare policy by following the websites of the SNIIL and the Assurance Maladie.
Want to learn more about the evolving role of nurses in healthcare? Explore our other articles on healthcare innovation.
