Health Ministry officials sent a letter Tuesday recommending that nurses be allowed to perform certain procedures that have traditionally been performed by doctors. According to the plan, the nurses would undergo several months of training, after which they would have increased authority to give certain treatment, such as powerful antibiotic and painkilling medications. The nurses’ new authorities could “improve the quality of life of the patient and prevent complications,” according to officials.

The Israel Medical Association opposed the plan, saying it could endanger the lives of patients. Association head Dr. Yoram Balsar said he hoped patients would refuse to accept treatment from the nurses, and that if nurses want the authority to perform more advanced treatments, they should attend medical school. The association is considering a protest against the proposal.