Cabinet has approved the review of the Nursing Act 2010.
This is after the Ministry of Health and the Fiji Nursing Council identified deficiencies over the years in the Act that did not account for developments in the nursing profession.
Cabinet says some provisions hindered the full implementation of this law where several internal reviews of the Act were commissioned by the Council and these identified the need for a comprehensive review of the Act.
The Act established the Fiji Nursing Council and provides for the registration of nurses, midwives, and certified nurse practitioners.
The Act also established the Fiji College of Nursing to coordinate and facilitate the continuing professional development of the nursing profession.
They say nursing services have evolved as health services and medical technology advanced and the law must address the advent of new professional positions that have been introduced into the health system to support and complement the work of registered nurses.
They say these developments in the nursing profession in Fiji must be recognised in law, with the appropriate registration process that will protect these cadres and the patients they serve.
The Ministry of Health and the Council will undertake extensive consultations with the public and key stakeholders.
The outcome of the review will be brought back to Cabinet for its consideration.
