Lithuania implements new healthcare rules for gene therapy and nursing
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Lithuania began implementing several healthcare system changes on Sunday to expand medical capabilities and nursing roles.
Doctors can now prescribe the production of gene therapy medicines for specific patients. Previously, Lithuanian medical institutions were not permitted to manufacture these drugs even if they possessed the necessary technical skills and expertise. Extended practice nurses in emergency medicine departments can now examine patients in mild condition and provide necessary assistance.
The Ministry of Health says this change allows doctors to focus their attention on complex and life-threatening cases. New rules also affect eye care and pediatric rheumatology. Patients with sudden vision loss or infections can now see an ophthalmologist within 14 days. Adults with diabetes can receive remote eye exams through their family doctors. For children with certain connective tissue diseases, doctors must now perform checkups every 3 to 6 months depending on the severity of the condition.
