NMC announces further extensions to revalidation deadlines

Registrants due to revalidate later in 2020 can request extension due to COVID-19 pandemic

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has announced further revalidation deadline extensions for registrants, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Registrants due to revalidate from July onwards can request a three-month extension and, after that, a further three-month extension may be allowed if the individual can demonstrate a valid reason.

Deadlines for earlier in the year previously extended by three months

This is the second time the NMC has extended revalidation deadlines this year – registrants due to revalidate between March and June have already had their deadlines extended automatically by three months.

• RELATED: NMC to postpone fitness to practise cases during COVID-19 pandemic

A statement on the NMC website adds: ‘We’re not automatically extending application dates for people due to revalidate from July 2020 onwards, but you will be able to request a 12-week extension if you need more time to complete your revalidation application.’

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Automatic approval for those applying for first extension

The statement goes on to say that registrants applying for their first extension will be approved automatically.

‘We’ll continue to review the need to offer 12-week extensions to those due to revalidate later in the year as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves,’ the NMC added.

The NMC said in some cases it has also allowed an extension of up to six weeks for payment of its annual registration fee, in acknowledgement of financial difficulties individuals may be facing as a result of the pandemic.

A group of MPs recently called on government to cover nurses’ annual £120 NMC registration fee in recognition of their work during the pandemic.

• RELATED: NMC registration fee: waive it as a thank-you to nurses, MPs tell government

The NMC said it would email affected registrants soon with details about how to request an extension.

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