Thiruvananthapuram: Nursing education and services in the country are set for an overhaul. The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill, among other things, also seeks to make nursing registration process at the national and states level completely online.

Online registration will check fraudulent practices and ensure that those passing out of non-recognised institutions can’t practice.

All the states will have to adhere to the directions within a year of the bill turning into law.

Other proposed key changes

The proposed National Nursing and Midwifery Commission will replace the existing national and state councils.

The officials posted as directors in the Health department, the representatives of various nursing associations and that of non-profit organisations engaged in the fields of nursing service and education will be the members of the Commission.

The post of the President of the state council will pave the way for that of the Chairperson. This means the state government could no longer make persons of its preference the head of the commission through deputation. Only an individual who possesses a post-graduate degree in Nursing and a minimum of 20 years of experience could be appointed.

No new nursing colleges or courses can be started without obtaining the permission of the Assessment Rating Board under the Commission.

The Ethics Committee should adjudge all the complaints that it receives within 60 days.