Professional Regulation in Nursing & Midwifery

Nursing & Midwifery Profession

• Nurses and midwives require specific and particular skills, higher education, formal qualifications, and are required to undergo ongoing education and training.
• The scope of practice for nurses and midwives is overseen by regulatory boards specific to their profession, such as the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Regulated and Unregulated Health Professionals

• The Australian health system has both regulated and unregulated health professionals.
• Regulated professionals require registration and adherence to specific standards and guidelines.

Professional Regulation

• Professional regulation ensures public safety and maintains the integrity of the healthcare system.
• The National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) regulates health professionals and promotes public protection.
• The scheme is implemented through the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act (2009).

Key Features of the National Scheme

• Patient safety is prioritized.
• Ongoing development of healthcare workers is encouraged.
• The scheme promotes consistency and mobility of qualified professionals across Australia.
• Collaboration between different healthcare bodies is essential.
• Efficiency is promoted in the regulation of healthcare professionals.

For Nurses and Midwives

• The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is responsible for implementing the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
• The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) provides standards, guidelines, and supports the registration of nurses, midwives, and nursing/midwifery students.
• The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) accredits and sets standards for nursing and midwifery education and training.

AHPRA

• AHPRA works collaboratively with 15 National Health Practitioner Boards, including the NMBA, to oversee the implementation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
• Registration with the relevant National Board is mandatory for anyone working with a protected title under the National Law.
• AHPRA focuses on establishing common registration standards, managing complaints, and maintaining the integrity of the registration process.

National Boards of Australia

• National Boards, like the NMBA, are responsible for protecting the public, registering practitioners and students, and setting the standards that all registered health practitioners must meet.

Registration Standards

• Registration standards ensure the competency and ethical practice of nurses and midwives.

NMBA

• The NMBA works in partnership with AHPRA.
• The NMBA is responsible for regulating Australian nurses, midwives, and nursing/midwifery students to safeguard the public.
• The NMBA handles notifications, complaints, investigations, disciplinary hearings, and assesses internationally trained nurses and midwives.
• The NMBA approves accreditation standards developed by ANMAC.

Nursing & Midwifery in 2019/20

• This is a reference to data about nursing and midwifery practice in that specific year, more information would be needed to understand its significance.

ANMAC

• ANMAC establishes high-quality standards for nursing and midwifery education, training, and assessment.
• ANMAC is an independent accrediting authority that develops, reviews, and provides advice on accreditation and skilled migration for nurses and midwives.
• ANMAC collaborates with national and international professional organizations to ensure adherence to standards of education.

Professional Codes & Guidelines

• Professional standards define the practice and behavior expected of nurses and midwives.
• The primary professional standards include:
  • Codes of Conduct
  • Standards for Practice
  • Codes of Ethics

Code of Conduct

• The Code of Conduct is applicable to all registered nurses and midwives in all practice settings.
• The Code of Conduct is based on evidence-based practices and is meant to guide the ethics and professional behavior of registered nurses and midwives.

Standards of Practice

• Standards of Practice provide clear guidelines for nurses and midwives in their daily duties.
• Adherence to the Standards of Practice ensures safe and effective nursing and midwifery care.

Code of Ethics for Nurses

• The Code of Ethics for Nurses outlines the moral and ethical principles that guide nursing practice.

Code of Ethics for Midwives

• The Code of Ethics for Midwives outlines ethical principles and standards for the practice of midwifery.

Practice Below Expected Standards

• Section 5 of the National Law (2009) defines situations where practice falls below expected standards and can result in disciplinary action.
• These situations include:
  • Professional misconduct
  • Unprofessional conduct
  • Unsatisfactory professional performance

Complaints & Mandatory Reporting

• Anyone can make a voluntary notification (complaint or concern) about a registered health practitioner.
• Registered health practitioners, employers, and education providers are legally mandated to report 'notifiable conduct'.
• Notifiable conduct includes situations where a healthcare professional poses a significant risk to public safety due to factors such as:
  • Practicing while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
  • Engaging in sexual misconduct during practice.
  • Demonstrating an impairment that risks public safety.
  • Practicing in a way that significantly deviates from accepted professional standards.
• Complaints and notifications about nurses and midwives are processed through the NMBA.