South African Nursing Council

What is the South African Nursing Council?

South African Nursing Council is the body entrusted to set and maintain standards of nursing education and practice in the Republic of South Africa. It is an autonomous, financially independent, statutory body, initially established by the Nursing Act, 1944 (Act No. 45 of 1944), and currently operating under the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005).

Setting and Monitoring of Standards

In terms of Section 3 of the Nursing Act, 2005, the Nursing Council is to establish, improve and control conditions, standards and quality of nursing education and training.

Section 4 of the Nursing Act makes provision for the accreditation and inspection of nursing education institutions, the monitoring of assessments conducted by accredited institutions, the conducting of nursing examinations, and the granting of diplomas and certificates.

Section 58(1)(f) of the Nursing Act, 2005 provides for the making of regulations relating to qualifications and the conditions to be complied with, which entitle a person to be registered as a nursing practitioner (education and training regulations).

South African Nursing Council is involved in the monitoring of nursing standards by:

	registering nurse practitioners, therefore permitting them to practise as nurses;
	accreditation of new nursing education institutions and nursing education programmes;
	inspection of nursing education institutions and clinical facilities;
	constantly reviewing nursing education and training to be in line with the needs of the Republic of South Africa; and
	providing counselling and guidance to the nursing profession regarding the implementation of the nursing education and training policies.