NMC seeks responses to its consultation on language testing for European nurses

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is calling for responses to its consultation on English language competence requirements for nurses and midwives from Europe.

The regulator is introducing language controls for applicants to its register who have been trained in the European Economic Area (EEA).

It is seeking views on what evidence could be used to satisfy the regulator of the language competence of EEA trained nurses and midwives.

Under the NMC’s proposed changes, applicants will be able to demonstrate their language competence in one of three ways.

They could achieve the required score in the International English Language Testing System or hold a pre-registration nursing or midwifery qualification which was taught and examined in English and which was 50% clinical interaction. At least three-quarters of the clinical interaction would have to have been in English.

Alternatively, they could have been registered and practised for two years in a country where the first language is English and they were required to pass a language assessment for registration in that country.

The consultation is also examining how the NMC will treat language competence as a requirement for readmission to the register when a nurse or midwife’s registration has lapsed.

A new ground of impairment in relation to English language competence will also be introduced to the NMC’s fitness to practise (FtP) procedures.

The regulator is seeking views on how it will handle FtP referrals where there are concerns about a registrant’s language competence.

The consultation closes at midday on August 21. 

For more information and to take part click here