Changes to NMC’s FtP processes come into force

Long-awaited changes to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) legislation have come into force. The changes will give the NMC new powers to resolve cases more quickly and proportionally meaning only the most serious cases progress to a full hearing.

NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, Jackie Smith said: “We finally have legislation which the GMC has had since 2003. While these changes are welcomed and will go a long way to help modernise our fitness to practise arrangements, the Government must prioritise much needed regulatory reform. This is the only way in which real change can be delivered.”  

Under the powers introduced today, where a serious concern is identified, the NMC will be able to issue a warning to a nurse or midwife if they show insight, remediation, and there is no risk to patients. They will also be able to agree measures such as additional training with a nurse or midwife to address areas of practice which cause a clinical risk to patients – known as undertakings.  And in cases where there is a minor breach of the Code, they will be able to offer private advice to a nurse or midwife to help them keep their practice safe.

As part of the changes the NMC’s two fitness to practise committees – the Conduct and Competence Committee and the Health Committee will merge into a single fitness to practise committee helping to further reduce delays. 

For more information, visit https://www.nmc.org.uk/

Staff Writer