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Nursing Personnel Convention, 1977 (No. 149) - Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) (RATIFICATION: 1983)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report, in particular with regard to the application of Article 5 of the Convention.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b). In its earlier comment the Committee asked the Government to supply information on the establishment of wage scales for nursing personnel, provided for in Clause No. 33 of the collective agreement between the Venezuelan Social Insurance Institute (IVSS) and the National Federation of Health Workers (FETRA SALUD). It notes that the Government supplies no information in this regard in its last report. The Committee trusts that the Government will be able to indicate in its next report the progress achieved in respect of this question.

Article 4. The Committee notes the Government's indication that the Bill on nursing has been partly amended by the Executive and is at present under discussion before the Congress of the Republic. It hopes that the Government will state in its next report that this Bill has been adopted.

Article 7. The Committee notes with interest the publications sent by the Government in its last report on the measures regarding care of patients suffering from sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV/AIDS. It also notes the information supplied in the document submitted by the Nursing Association of Venezuela, on the adoption of Decision No. 439 of the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance, which prohibits the obligation to present proof of HIV antibodies, unless it is clinically or epidemiologically justified, or without the express, clear and free agreement of the person concerned. The Committee trusts that the Government will indicate in its next report the measures adopted or envisaged, regarding the maintenance of employment relations of nursing personnel infected or possibly infected with HIV, for example adoption of conditions of work, confidentiality of test results, recognition that the cause of infection was occupational, etc.

Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the information supplied in respect of the number of nursing personnel. It trusts that the Government will continue to supply further indications regarding the application of the Convention in practice.