THE CONCEPT OF "MANAGEMENT OF CARE" IN CHILEAN LAW: INTERPRETATION AND SCOPE

Abstract

Chilean legislation defines the social role of nurses and assigns, among other functions, the "management of care"(1997). Since Law No. 19,937 (2004) was dictated, in which a new health Authority and Management is established, the "management of care" is inserted in the structure of health services. The Administrative Norm No. 19, of the Ministry of health (2007) gives guidelines for implementing the management of care units in hospitals. Despite the development of legislation, it appears that the term "management of care" has presented difficulties of interpretation as to its meaning and scope, which has led to a confusing socialization of the term. This paper intends to be a contribution to its understanding.