Advancing Nursing and Midwifery: The NMC's Ongoing Review of Advanced Practice

The Nursing and Midwifery Council is the regulator of UK nurses and midwives. In 2019, the NMC commenced a review of post-registration standards and identified then, this work was as a bridge to a review of advanced practice which would explore whether regulation of advanced practice is needed

Phase 1 of the review of advanced practice involved commissioned research, engagement with professionals and the public and key lines of enquiry. On the 27th of March 2024, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) met to discuss the outcome of phase one of the review of advanced practice. The recommendations made to Council were to agree to:

• development of standards of proficiency for advanced level practice (and associated programme standards)

• adopt a collaborative approach to develop a UK-wide advanced practice principles framework incorporating a shared position or definition of advanced level practice

• ensure that advanced level practice requirements are included in the wider review of revalidation and the Code scheduled for 2025/26

NMC Council approved these recommendations and supported the move to the next stage (phase 2) of this advanced practice review. Details about the advanced practice review can be found here. This includes detailed recommendations, case studies and video consultations. You can sign up here to receive updates about the ongoing work.

Further engagement work with professionals and the public to develop the proposals has commenced. There are no immediate changes and next steps include establishing a workstream that seeks to identify a proportionate approach to recognising AP qualifications already held by nursing and midwifery professionals in AP roles and those currently studying for AP qualifications.