Abstract
M.Cur.
The legal limitations in the practice of the Primary Health
Care nurse (PHC nurse)' in the RSA have direct implications
for the achievement of the goal "Health for all by the year
2000".
The questions which had to be answered by means of the
research are in relation to the legal limitations, the
nature and scope of the limitations as well as to how these
limitations should be addressed in order to facilitate the
practice of the PHC nurse.
A content analysis of selected health legislation was done
and recommendations formulated to amend and/or clarify
certain health legislation.
The research design is an exploratory descriptive study with
a qualitative research orientation.
A content analysis of certain professional and relevant
health legislation showed legal limitations in the practice
of the PHC nurse.
Experts in the field of PHC who were interviewed confirmed
that there are limitations in the practice of the PHC nurse.
The limitations identified were the following:
• limitations in certain health professions and other
health legislation
• limitations caused by the interpretation of legislation
by health professions
• limitations due to the attitudes and perceptions of
medical practitioners, pharmacists and nurses in
respect of the role and functions of the PHC nurse
The conclusions indicate that there are limitations in the
practice of the PHC nurse which have direct implications for
the achievement of the objectives of the National Health
Policy, 1989.
Recommendations include the amendment of certain health
legislation, addressing limitations caused by attitudes and
perceptions at educational, professional, policy making and
management levels, for nurses, medical practitioners and
pharmacists.