NMC welcomes call for evidence to support protection of 'nurse' title
Published on 30 July 2026
The Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) has welcomed the Government’s call for evidence on the professions and roles which will in future be allowed to describe themselves as 'nurses'.
The NMC has long called for the title of ‘nurse’ to be protected in law.
This will be achieved through long-awaited changes to modernise the regulator’s legislation.
Emma Westcott, Executive Director of Strategy and Insight at the NMC, said:
"The public should always feel confident that the people providing their care have the right knowledge, skills and qualifications. The NMC has long supported protecting the title 'nurse' by law, and we welcome the Government's call for evidence as an important step towards achieving this.
"Protecting the title will help prevent its misuse, giving the public assurance that anyone calling themselves a nurse meets the high professional standards expected of the profession. We look forward to working with the Government on the modernisation of our legislation, which will enable this important change in law.
"In the meantime, it remains an offence for someone intending to deceive to falsely represent themselves as a registered nurse, or to use the title ‘registered nurse' if they are not on our Register."
Other recent news…
Over a third of the nursing and midwifery workforce is Black, Asian and ethnic minority for the first time
Published on 29 July 2026
Over a third of the nursing and midwifery workforce is Black, Asian and ethnic minority for the first time
NMC response to Rupert Lowe MP
Published on 24 July 2026
On 21 July Rupert Lowe MP, leader of Restore Britain, published an open letter to the Chair of the NMC, questioning the timing and reasons for an Interim Suspen
NMC to launch landmark consultation on new Code and Revalidation process
Published on 22 July 2026
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has confirmed it will launch a landmark public consultation on a new draft Code and a refreshed Revalidation process – t
