Changes in Nurse Staffing Grades and Nursing Fee Revenues in Response to the Amendment of the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale: General Wards
10.22650/JKCNR.2024.30.3.193
- Author:
Sung-Hyun CHO
1
;
Sun Ju YOU
;
Ji-Yun LEE
;
U Ri GO
Author Information
1. College of Nursing ‧ Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University
- From:
Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
2024;30(3):193-206
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to examine changes in nurse staffing grades and nursing fee revenues following the third amendment of the resource-based relative value scale, implemented in January 2024.
Methods:Revised nurse staffing grades were determined based on the number of patients per nurse (PpN), calculated by dividing the daily patient census by the number of registered nurses working in general wards. Changes in staffing grades were analyzed from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024 among 44 tertiary hospitals, 328 general hospitals, and 1,378 non-general hospitals.
Results:In 2024, the previous "best grade" (grade 1) was subdivided into two or three grades. The best grade was redefined as grade S (PpN<1.5) in tertiary and general hospitals and grade A (PpN<2.0) in non-general hospitals. By 2024, 72.4%, 11.8%, and 22.5% of tertiary, general, and non-general hospitals, respectively, achieved the best grade. The estimated additional annual nursing fee revenues per nurse in 2024 (compared to 2023) for hospitals advancing from grade 1 to grade S ranged from 1,088,455 to 11,412,655 KRW in tertiary hospitals and 11,483,834 KRW in general hospitals.
Conclusion:To ensure appropriate nurse staffing levels, nursing fees should be proportionally differentiated based on staffing requirements. Additional revenues should be strategically allocated to enhance nurse compensation, thereby improving workforce sustainability and care quality.
