Amended Nurses and Midwives Bill for National Assembly

As the business of the National Assembly gets underway following an extended recess, provision could be made to afford nurses the opportunity to study and specialise in various areas with Government’s introduction of the amended Nurses’ and Midwives Bill to the National Assembly.
Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, gave official notice of the legal supplement during last week, which signals that Members of Parliament will soon debate on the amendment. Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence is expected to present the amended bill.
The existing Nurses’ Bill, which governs the training and employment of nurses and midwives, has been made law since 1942. However, under the proposed changes, nurses would have the opportunity to study and upgrade their careers through tertiary education and other studies.
The law provides for a Nurses and Midwives Council to be established. The bill seeks to make provision for the registration and regulation of nurses, midwives and nursing assistants. It outlines that anyone in the nursing profession found guilty of professional misconduct can face a fine of up to $100,000.
Another penalty relates to practising without a valid licence, wherein the bill says that any nurse or midwife guilty of this offence shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $500,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.
The Public Health Minister had explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI) in September that special attention will be given to training and academic elevation of all staff.