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NMC fitness to practise: agreed removal from register introduced

Nurses in FtP processes can request removal from the register in move designed to cut NMC’s backlog, but change to rules does not apply in most serious cases
Illustration shows digital red button labelled 'unregister' with cursor arrow poised to select it, as NMC relaxes rule on requesting removal form the register

Nurses in FtP processes can request removal from the register in move designed to cut NMC’s backlog, but change to rules does not apply in most serious cases

Illustration shows digital red button labelled 'unregister' with cursor arrow poised to select it, as NMC relaxes rule on requesting removal form the register
Picture: iStock

The nurse regulator is making it easier for individuals to request their own removal from the register, to help reduce distress and clear the fitness to practise backlog.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has introduced a policy of agreed removal for registrants with concerns about their fitness to practise, which will mean an easing of the rules on voluntary removal.

‘This change will also help us reduce the fitness to practise caseload swiftly and fairly’

Lesley Maslen, executive director of professional regulation, NMC

Previously, nurses going through the fitness to practise process could only volunteer to be removed from the register if the NMC had concluded its investigation and they accepted all the allegations against them. Now, nurses in some cases will be able to request removal before the end of an investigation.

Aim is to protect the public and reduce stress for all involved

Picture: Charles Milligan

NMC executive director of professional regulation Lesley Maslen said: ‘Our revised approach means our decision-makers will now have more flexibility to agree requests to leave our register during an investigation.

‘As well as protecting the public, this will reduce the impact on everyone involved, which we know can be distressing. We hope this change will also help us reduce the fitness to practise caseload swiftly and fairly, which remains our top priority.’

The NMC said it will consider each case individually, and will refuse any requests for removal in cases where there are serious allegations or concerns. These cases will always need to be fully investigated and put before an independent panel, the regulator said.

The new guidance also outlines that any party who raised the referral, such as an employer, will be consulted on the decision to agree to a removal.

Changes to NMC’s removal guidance

  • The NMC can consider agreed removal before concluding a full investigation
  • The registrant no longer has to agree all the facts before agreed removal can be considered
  • They longer must accept that their fitness to practise is impaired

These changes do not apply if the concerns raised are so serious they could lead to the individual being struck off.

It remains important to let most serious investigations take their course

Ms Maslen added: ‘When very serious concerns are raised about nurses, midwives and nursing associates, it’s important we investigate them fully and allow an independent panel to make findings about what took place.

‘However, there may be times when removing someone from the register at an earlier stage will be the best way to protect the public.’

NMC’s new removal by agreement guidance

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