Abstract
The regulation of the nursing profession and the protection of the public in general health service and nursing practice matters has been the main responsibility of the South African Nursing Council in South Africa since its inception in 1944. This is done through the four main functions that have remained unchanged throughout the decades. These include the regulation of the education and training of nurses and midwives through provision of relevant regulations; licencing of nurses and midwives to practise the profession of nursing and midwifery; ensuring quality nursing practice and advising the Minister and influencing health-related policies. This chapter describes the state of the nursing regulation since the inception of the South African Nursing Council as an autonomous statutory body for the nursing profession and its objectives and the mandatory functions. It further highlights the historical developments and changes that have occurred in the nursing profession as a self-regulating profession that is dynamic and responsive to the national regulations and developments affecting the practice and education of nurses and midwives, including the health needs of the country. The achievements, the challenges and opportunities for the South African Nursing Council highlight the current state of the nursing regulation in South Africa.
Highlights
The nursing and midwifery professions in South Africa are regulated mainly by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) which is a professional body, entrusted to set and maintain standards of nursing education and practice
SANC is an autonomous statutory body, established by the Nursing Act, No 45 of 1944, amended by the Nursing Act, No 50 of 1978 and the current Nursing Act 33 of 2005. It is financed through the licensing, registration and accreditation fees paid by nurses and nursing education institutions and is independent
The abolished councils included the Bophuthatswana Nursing Council which was established by section 53of the Health and Related Act of 1985 (Bophuthatswana); the Ciskeian Nursing Council which was established by section 2of the Nursing Act (Act 13 of 1984) of Ciskei and the Transkei Nursing Act which was established by section 2of the Nursing Act of 1978 (Act No 6 of 1978) of Transkei (Nursing Amendment Act, 1995)
Summary
Introduction The nursing and midwifery professions in South Africa are regulated mainly by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) which is a professional body, entrusted to set and maintain standards of nursing education and practice. The following functions of the South African Nursing Council have remained unchanged throughout the decades i.e. the regulation of the education and training of nurses and midwives through provision of relevant regulations; licensure of nurses and midwives to practice the profession of nursing and midwifery; ensuring quality nursing practice and advising the Minister and influencing health-related policies (Nursing Act, 2005).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
