Government launches call for evidence on protecting the title ‘nurse’

The UK Government has launched a call for evidence seeking views on which professions and roles should be permitted to use the title ‘nurse’ as it prepares legislation to strengthen legal protection for the professional title.

The exercise forms part of wider plans announced by the Department of Health and Social Care to make it a criminal offence for individuals who are not appropriately qualified and registered to describe themselves as a nurse in a way that could mislead the public.

As part of the latest call for evidence, the Government is seeking views on:

• Which professions and roles should continue to be allowed to use the word ‘nurse’ in their professional title without risk of prosecution.
• Whether any other professional titles should also receive legal protection under the legislative framework of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Because the NMC regulates professionals across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Government is inviting evidence from organisations and individuals throughout all four UK nations.

Responses are welcomed from a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Members of the public
• Professional regulators
• The Royal College of Nursing
• Trade unions
• Employers
• Higher education providers
• Charities
• Social care organisations
• Other sectors that use the title ‘nurse’ as part of a professional role
• Professional representative bodies

The Government says the evidence gathered will help determine which existing professional titles should remain exempt from any future legal restrictions, while ensuring patients and the public are clear about who is qualified and registered to practise as a nurse.

Those wishing to contribute can submit their views through the Government’s online call for evidence.

Respond here: Using the professional title ‘nurse’ call for evidence

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