ANMC appointed as independent Accreditation body
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) welcomes the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council (AHWMC) decision to endorse a newly constituted ANMC as the independent accrediting body for nursing and midwifery.
AHWMC met in Perth last Thursday and endorsed the new Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's decision to appoint the ANMC as the professions independent accrediting body under the new National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) for Health Professionals commencing 1 July 2010.
ANMC Chairperson Adjunct Associate Professor Moira Laverty said "This is an important and significant decision for nurses, midwives and those they care for. We are delighted that the AHWMC has recognised the ANMC's unparalleled reputation, skills and experience in the development of professional standards in making this decision." Also Adjunct Associate Professor Laverty said "that it is fitting the ANMC have been appointed given their commitment and dedication to nursing and midwifery accreditation and standards over many years."
AHWMC's decision is a commitment to safety and quality as only an independent accrediting authority has the capacity and remit to ensure high standards in nursing and midwifery education are maintained. Without high education standards the skill, competency and safety of nurses and midwives will be compromised as will the care they provide.
"This is the result of years of lobbying and work by those in the nursing and midwifery professions who are heartened to see this day has finally come" said Adjunct Associate Professor Moira Laverty.
Currently nursing and midwifery courses are accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Regulatory Authorities in each of the states and territories. The AHWMC decision brings nursing and midwifery in line with the other professions under NRAS which already have independent accrediting bodies.