Toward an Advanced Practice Nursing Specialty in Occupational Health: A Public Health Imperative in France

Background: The French law of August 2, 2021, recognized the possibility for AdvancedPractice Nurses (APNs) to specialize in occupational health. However, to date, thisspecialization remains unimplemented despite growing evidence of its relevance [1,2].Objective: This article advocates for the establishment of an APN specialty in occupationalhealth, responding to critical gaps in employee health monitoring and aligning withinterprofessional cooperation goals [2,3].Methods: We conducted a narrative review of legislative frameworks, workforce healthneeds, and current nursing competencies. Reports from professional bodies and governmentsources were analyzed to assess feasibility and demand.Results: Many workers in France have no regular occupational health follow-up [4,5]. Nursestrained in occupational health already contribute to primary prevention but are limited in theirclinical scope. A formal APN role would enable broader diagnostic, prescriptive, andpreventive capabilities [1,3]. Conclusion: Creating an APN specialty in occupational health is a pragmatic and evidence-based response to unmet public health needs. It would support early detection of occupational diseases, improve access to care, and enhance multidisciplinary coordination.