The Government has today confirmed it will implement new legislation to legally protect the title ‘nurse’, ensuring that only those registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) can use it.
The new measures are set to make it a criminal offence for people who are not qualified as a nurse to use the title and mislead the public.
The new law will build on the #ProtectNurse campaign led by Professor Alison Leary MBE and Paul Trevatt, and championed in Parliament by Dawn Butler, Member of Parliament for Brent East.
Dawn Butler MP said:
“This is a great day. After campaigning hard on this issue over many years, I am overjoyed that the Government has adopted my Bill and is making this vital change to the law. It shows the difference a Labour Government can make.
I have long argued that we must make this vital, common-sense change to keep patients safe and ensure proper respect for the expertise of registered nurses.
The public must be able to trust that when someone says they are a nurse, they have the right qualifications, training, and accountability.
This is a big victory for the profession and for patient safety. My congratulations go to the tireless #ProtectNurse campaign and all others who helped push for this change – it’s been an honour being their voice in Parliament”.
Prof. Alison Leary MBE and Paul Trevatt from the #ProtectNurse campaign said:
“The Protect Nurse campaign are delighted with this latest step forward for patient safety - our thanks to Dawn Butler MP and team without who this would not have happened. We the campaign are thrilled that this announcement has coincided with International Nurses Day."
Currently, while the title ‘Registered Nurse’ is protected, the more commonly used ‘nurse’ is not — this loophole allows individuals without proper qualifications or NMC registration to use the title.
Some individuals struck off the NMC register, including those with serious misconduct or criminal convictions, have continued using the title without consequence.
The legislation to ensure that only those on the NMC register can call themselves a ‘nurse’ brings the UK into line with international best practice. The reform will enhance patient safety, protect public trust, and uphold respect for the nursing profession by preventing misuse of the title. It guarantees that patients can have confidence those providing their care meet rigorous professional standards.
The new legislation is expected to be laid in this Parliament. Ms Butler is now committed to monitoring this process closely to ensure this essential reform is implemented as quickly as possible.