Parliament Passes National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 to bring Major Changes to the Nursing Education & Practice Landscape

The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill, 2023, has been passed by Parliament, ushering in major changes to the country's nursing education and practise landscape. The Act will create a modern regulatory structure to replace the existing Indian Nursing Council, marking a significant legislative reform in the sector. The NNMC Act of 2023 will include several critical provisions to improve nursing education and services, improve professional conduct, and ensure greater transparency and accountability.

The Act's highlights include the creation of a National Nursing and Midwifery Commission and Autonomous Boards at the national level, as well as State Nursing and Midwifery Commissions at the state level, to regulate and maintain education and service standards, oversee professional conduct, and manage online and live Registers; and the establishment of fixed tenures for members and the Commission's chairperson, eliminating reappointment and preventing vested interests. The tenure reform measure will ensure transparency and accountability among nursing education regulators.

The Act also gives the government the authority to issue directives to the Commission in the public interest. The National Commission will implement a standardized admission process to ensure consistency across nursing education. Moreover, it will focus on maintaining the competence of nursing and midwifery professionals to ensure high-quality healthcare services. The passing of National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill 2023, signifies a major step towards elevating nursing education and practice standards, fostering innovation, and enhancing collaboration across the healthcare sector, said the Ministry.