The Nursing and Midwifery Council has approved proposals for the introduction of a system of revalidation, following a meeting held on 12 September 2013. The option selected unanimously by the Council
The Nursing and Midwifery Council has approved proposals for the introduction of a system of revalidation, following a meeting held on 12 September 2013. The option selected unanimously by the Council was one of three offered for consideration. The key purpose of the changes is to ensure public protection through safe and effective practice and to make sure that the individuals registered by the NMC continue to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.
The requirement for registered nurses and midwives to renew their registration every three years will remain in place but under the new plans, they will also be required to continually gather evidence and demonstrate that they remain fit to practise.
Based on the agreed model for revalidation this will involve increased auditing of post registration education and an appraisal conducted by the Registrant's employer or manager which will confirm whether they are complying with the NMC's code and standards of conduct. Feedback from patients, service users, carers and colleagues will be considered as part of the appraisal process for revalidation.
The announcement has been met with concerns from some Registrants about the reliance placed on employers conducting the appraisals and the quality of feedback provided by patients or colleagues.
The NMC has also published revised guidance on raising concerns about patient safety which emphasises the professional duty imposed on registered nurses and midwives. The guidance was publicly endorsed by former Mid-Staffordshire Foundation Trust whistleblower Helene Donnelly. However, fears have been expressed that the revalidation process could potentially deter individuals from raising such concerns against their employer.
Revalidation is expected to be launched in 2015 following further consultations and a pilot of the scheme.
The requirement for registered nurses and midwives to renew their registration every three years will remain in place but under the new plans, they will also be required to continually gather evidence and demonstrate that they remain fit to practise.
Based on the agreed model for revalidation this will involve increased auditing of post registration education and an appraisal conducted by the Registrant's employer or manager which will confirm whether they are complying with the NMC's code and standards of conduct. Feedback from patients, service users, carers and colleagues will be considered as part of the appraisal process for revalidation.
The announcement has been met with concerns from some Registrants about the reliance placed on employers conducting the appraisals and the quality of feedback provided by patients or colleagues.
The NMC has also published revised guidance on raising concerns about patient safety which emphasises the professional duty imposed on registered nurses and midwives. The guidance was publicly endorsed by former Mid-Staffordshire Foundation Trust whistleblower Helene Donnelly. However, fears have been expressed that the revalidation process could potentially deter individuals from raising such concerns against their employer.
Revalidation is expected to be launched in 2015 following further consultations and a pilot of the scheme.