The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) will consult registrants on changes to its fitness to practice process, in a bid to make it more efficient and cost effective.
The changes will grant examiners additional powers to give advice, issue warnings and recommend undertakings. The NMC are also seeking opinions on its approach to implementing expanded powers to review no case to answer decisions.
‘We know, and accept that it currently takes too long and costs too much to conclude cases,’ said Jackie Smith, chief executive of the NMC. ‘The launch of this consultation is a crucial step towards modernising our processes, which will better enable us to protect the public.’
This consultation will run from midday on 24 October until midday on 19 December 2016. To contribute, visit: www.nmc.org.uk/about-us/consultations/current-consultations/modernising-fitness-to-practise
‘We have worked closely with the Department of Health on these proposed changes which will allow us to develop a more proportionate approach to cases, with new powers to resolve some less contentious matters more simply and quickly, taking only the most serious cases to a full hearing,’ added Ms Smith.