<![CDATA[This study examines the delegation of medical authority from physicians to nurses within the framework of Indonesian law. It is motivated by the prevalence of nurses performing medical procedures based on physicians' instructions, despite the lack of clearly defined legal regulations and standard operating procedures regarding such delegation. This situation creates ambiguity regarding the boundaries of liability between physicians and nurses. The study aims to: (1) examine legal regulations concerning the procedures, prerequisites, and forms of delegating medical authority from physicians to nurses; and (2) analyze the resulting legal consequences for both professions, particularly in instances of negligence or alleged malpractice. A normative juridical research method was employed, utilizing statutory and case analysis approaches. Data sources included various regulations—such as the Medical Practice Law, Health Law, Health Personnel Law, and Nursing Law, along with their implementing regulations—as well as academic literature. The findings indicate that Indonesian law regulates the delegation of authority through "mandate" and "delegation" mechanisms subject to specific requirements: delegation must be in writing, align with the nurse's competence, occur under physician supervision, and exclude strategic medical decision-making. Under a mandate, the physician retains legal liability, whereas under delegation, partial liability is transferred to the competent nurse. Legal implications may involve criminal, civil, or administrative liability. The Sidoarjo District Court Decision No. 1167/Pid.B/2010/PN.Sda illustrates the complexities involved when nurses perform duties based on physicians' instructions. The study underscores the necessity of legally compliant delegation—supported by supervision, documentation, clear SOPs, enhanced nursing competence, and adequate legal protection—to ensure that healthcare services remain safe and accountable.]]>
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