Professional Competence Scheme

Following the pilot, NMBI is currently revising and strengthening aspects of the scheme before its formal introduction. For this reason, we would not encourage organisations or individuals to pilot or adopt the current model while these final enhancements are being made. The finalised scheme is expected to be published in November 2026.

In the meantime, all registered nurses and midwives should continue to practise in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics. The Code requires registrants to maintain competence, ensure their knowledge and skills remain current and relevant to their practice, and recognise and address any limitations in their competence. These professional obligations apply to all registrants on the Register, including those who are retired and wish to maintain registration or return to practice.

Background

Part 11 of the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011 (yet to be enacted) refers to the ‘Maintenance of Professional Competence’.  

When Part 11 of the Act is enacted, the Professional Competence Scheme, which is aligned to the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Midwives (the Code) will be one of several tools that underpin, guide and support your professional practice.  

This part of the legislation outlines the responsibilities of the following: 

• Registered practitioners (nurses and midwives): are required to maintain their professional competence in accordance with a scheme developed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• Employers of a registered nurse or a registered midwife:  shall facilitate the maintenance of their professional competence under the relevant scheme. The employer may facilitate the maintenance of professional competence by providing learning opportunities in the workplace. 
• NMBI (the regulator): is legally required to develop, establish, and operate one or more schemes to monitor how registered nurses and midwives maintain their professional competence.