Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill

Why in news?

The Union Government has finalised National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill 2020 to replace the Indian Nursing Council Act 1947.

What is the current situation?

• At present, there are different undergraduate nursing examinations conducted by different medical institutes.
• This requires an aspirant to keep track of these throughout the year.

What would be the purpose of the Commission?

• The draft Bill replaces the Indian Nursing Council with a new body called National Nursing and Midwifery Commission.
• This body would have representatives of the Centre and the states.
• It would frame policies and regulate standards for the governance of nursing and midwifery education and institutions.
• It would provide standards for nursing and midwifery faculty and clinical facility in teaching institutions.
• It would provide basic standards of education, physical and instructional facilities, training, research, maximum tuition fee payable in respect of various categories.
• It would frame policies and codes to ensure observance of professional ethics in nursing and midwifery profession.
• Similar to the National Medical Commission, the proposed commission would have different boards to regulate UG and PG education.
• It will asses and rate different institutions offering courses.

What are the other proposals?

• It proposes a common entrance test for undergraduate nursing courses that would integrate the system.
• It also proposes a National Exit test for the final year of the nursing or midwifery course, to ensure uniform quality.
• Every nurse and midwife would have to register with the state boards.
• The Bill will likely vest in the board the power to decide course structure, fee, etc.,
• A national register would be maintained to track all qualified and practising nursing professionals.

• It proposes a temporary licence for foreign nationals who are qualified nurses and midwives to practice in India.

Source: Financial Express, Economic Times