NMC consultation on EU language controls closes
24 August 2015
The 12-week consultation on new English language checks for nurses and midwives who trained in the EU closed on Friday 21 August, having received 722 responses.
In October the Council will consider the consultation response and finalise the policy and guidance.
Once the new language checks are in place, nurses and midwives from the European Economic Area who apply to join the register will need to satisfy the NMC that their knowledge of English equips them to practise safely and effectively in the UK.
It is intended that the changes to the registration rules will be laid before Parliament in the autumn, and the updated legislation and registration process will come into effect in January 2016.
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Notes for editors
1. The Nursing and Midwifery Council exists to protect the public. We do this by ensuring that only those who meet our requirements are allowed to practise as a nurse or midwife in the UK. We take action if concerns are raised about whether a nurse or midwife is fit to practise.
2. For media enquiries, please contact Hannah Schraer, NMC media team, at media@nmc-uk.org or on 020 7681 5936.
