The House of Lords has passed legislation that will allow the Nursing and Midwifery Council to regulate Nursing Associates.
In January 2017, the Nursing and Midwifery Council formally agreed to regulate nursing associates – the role which will ‘help bridge the gap’ between Registered Nurses and Healthcare Assistants.
However, amendments to the Nursing and Midwifery Order are required to provide the NMC with the necessary legal powers to regulate nursing associates in England.
On Tuesday, the process overcame this major hurdle with the House of Lords approving a Section 60 Order to amend the current NMC legislation.
Pending final approval by the Privy Council, the body of advisers appointed by the Queen, the Nursing and Midwifery Council will then be permitted to regulate nursing associates in the same way that it already does for nurses and midwives.
‘A step forward in the nursing associate journey’.
The first group of 1000 nursing associates are due to qualify in December 2018 and Health Education England plans on training 45,000 new nursing associates before 2027.
Professor Ian Cumming, Chief Executive of Health Education England, said: “This is extremely welcome news and another step forward in the nursing associate journey.
“The nursing associate role is now establishing clear career pathways for aspiring nurses, and its regulation it will give confidence to patients and employers that it is an important part of the NHS workforce.
“Opportunities will be available from early next year for these people to continue their training whilst working to become registered.”
We have approached the Nursing and Midwifery Council for comment.