National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill 2023

Context:

Recently, the Lok Sabha passed National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill (NNMC), 2023.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Introduction to the NNMC Bill, 2023
2. Key Features of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill, 2023

Introduction to the NNMC Bill, 2023:

• The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill, 2023 is a significant healthcare legislation aimed at reforming and enhancing the nursing and midwifery professions in India.
• It proposes the establishment of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission as a regulatory body to oversee these professions.

Creation of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC):

• The primary objective of the NNMC Bill is to establish the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) as the regulatory authority responsible for governing nursing and midwifery professionals in the country.
• This body will play a crucial role in setting standards, regulations, and guidelines to ensure the quality and effectiveness of nursing and midwifery services.

Repealing the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947:

• As part of the reforms, the NNMC Bill proposes to repeal the existing Indian Nursing Council Act of 1947.
• This act is outdated and no longer aligned with the current needs and demands of the nursing and midwifery profession.
• Over the years, these professions have evolved significantly in terms of education, training, practice, and service standards.
• The NNMC Bill aims to replace the outdated act with a modern and comprehensive regulatory framework.

Key Features of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill, 2023:

National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC):

• Composition: The NNMC will be comprised of 29 members.
• Chairperson: The chairperson must hold a postgraduate degree in nursing and midwifery and possess 20 years of field experience.
• Ex-officio Members: The commission will include members from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, National Medical Commission, Military Nursing Services, and Directorate General of Health Services.
• Other Members: Additional members will be selected from nursing and midwifery professionals and charitable institutions.
• Functions: The NNMC will be responsible for framing policies and regulating standards for nursing and midwifery education. It will also oversee the uniform admission process for nursing and midwifery institutions, regulate these institutions, and establish standards for faculty in teaching institutions.

Autonomous Boards:

• Nursing and Midwifery Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education Board: This board will regulate education and examinations at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Nursing and Midwifery Assessment and Rating Board: This board will provide the framework for assessing and rating nursing and midwifery institutions.
• Nursing and Midwifery Ethics and Registration Board: This board will regulate professional conduct and promote ethics in the nursing and midwifery profession.

State Nursing and Midwifery Commissions:

• Establishment: State governments will constitute State Nursing and Midwifery Commissions.
• Composition: These commissions will consist of 10 members, including representatives from the health department and nursing/midwifery colleges.
• Functions: State Commissions will be responsible for enforcing professional conduct, maintaining state registers, issuing certificates of specialization, and conducting skill-based examinations.

Establishment of Institutions:

• Permission: New nursing and midwifery institutions or an increase in seats/postgraduate courses will require permission from the Assessment and Rating Board.
• Appeals Process: If approval is denied, an appeals process is available to the National Commission and the Central Government.

Practicing as a Professional:

• Enrollment: Individuals must be enrolled in the National or State Register to practice nursing or midwifery.
• Consequences of Non-compliance: Non-compliance may result in imprisonment or a fine.

Advisory Council:

• Composition: The Advisory Council will include representatives from each State and Union Territory, the Ministry of Ayush, University Grants Commission, National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Indian Council of Medical Research, and nursing/midwifery professionals.
• Role: The council will provide advice and support to the National Commission on nursing and midwifery education, services, training, and research.

Source: The Hindu