Hiring nurses for home eldercare, IV drips and dressing changes — home care boomed after the pandemic, but home medical care remains a medical activity, regulated like any medical facility.
Does a home-care service need a licence?
Yes. Under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 (15/2023/QH15, in force since 1 January 2024), home-care providers must meet operating conditions and practitioners must hold practice licences (nurses, technicians). Freelancers giving injections or IVs at homes without a licence are practising illegally — even for “just one shot”.
Can nurses give injections and IVs at home?
Yes, but within tight limits: there must be a doctor’s order (prescription, medical instruction); nurses may only perform techniques within their licensed scope; there must be an adverse-reaction response plan (anaphylaxis during infusion) and proper records. Self-ordered “wellness” IV drips or injections without orders violate practice rules — the practitioner bears full liability for any incident.
Incidents during home care: who is liable?
Liability follows fault and the service contract (Civil Code 2015): the company is liable for its dispatched staff (selection, training, supervision faults); the nurse is liable for technically flawed performance. Families should sign contracts specifying scope, staff qualifications, incident procedures and liability insurance — verbal agreements invite disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hiring a helper for a sick elder need a medically licensed company?
It depends on the tasks: daily-living care (meals, hygiene) is ordinary domestic service; any medical element (injections, IVs, dressings, physiotherapy) requires a compliant medical provider.
Is a home ‘wellness’ IV drip by a nurse a violation?
Yes, without a doctor’s order. IV infusion is a risky medical procedure (shock, infection, circulatory overload); unordered infusions breach practice rules.
What if a camera catches a nurse abusing an elder?
The footage supports civil compensation claims and contract termination; abuse can draw administrative fines or criminal prosecution depending on severity.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council