Dawn Butler MP to Introduce Ten Minute Rule Bill to Protect the Title “Nurse”

Dawn Butler, Member of Parliament for Brent East, will introduce a Ten Minute Rule Bill in Parliament on Tuesday 11th February to legally protect the title “nurse”, ensuring that only those registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) can use it.

This Bill builds on, and is backed by, the #ProtectNurse campaign led by Professor Alison Leary MBE. It aims to enhance patient safety, protect public trust, and uphold respect for the nursing profession by preventing misuse of the title.

Currently, while the title "Registered Nurse" is protected, the more commonly used "nurse" is not—allowing individuals without proper qualifications or NMC registration to use the title in health and social care settings. Additionally, some individuals struck off the NMC register, including those with criminal convictions, continue using the title without consequence.

The Bill would ensure that only those registered with the NMC as Registered Nurses can legally call themselves a “nurse”. This would bring the UK in line with international best practices and give patients confidence that those providing their care meet professional standards.

Dawn Butler MP said:

"I have long argued that it is absolutely vital that we truly respect the experience and expertise of a registered nurse.

 

The public should be able to trust that when someone calls themselves a nurse, they have the right professional qualifications, training and accountability. Right now, anyone can use the title—even those who have been struck off the NMC register for serious misconduct. This is unacceptable and risks patient safety.

My Bill will ensure that only those who are registered with the NMC can call themselves a nurse. It’s a simple and common-sense step to protect patients, strengthen the profession, and ensure clarity in healthcare settings.

I have long campaigned on this issue, inspired by Professor Alison Leary MBE and many others who led the way with the #ProtectNurse campaign. Now, with a Labour in power, I hope we can work closely with the Government to bring about this long-overdue change."

Prof. Alison Leary MBE and Paul Trevatt, from the #ProtectNurse, campaign said:

"Our research published in 2017 revealed that nursing job titles such as Advanced Nurse Practitioner and District Nurse were being used by people with no nursing qualifications or professional nursing registration. This means they cannot be held to account with a nursing regulator. As we researched further we were approached by patients and families who felt they had been mislead, sometimes with catastrophic consequences". 

The proposal is supported by nursing associations, trade unions, patient safety organisations, and charities. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) passed a resolution in favour of protecting the title at its Congress in 2022.

With overwhelming backing those in the profession and growing public concern, Dawn Butler’s Bill aims to encourage the Labour Government into taking long-overdue action on this urgent issue.