No. | Function | Stage 0 | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nursing legislation | Key issues of legislation are not identified. | Consensus among stakeholders around whether a new legislation or amendments to existing legislation are needed. Legislation drafted with stakeholders. | Legislation approved and publication of the legislation. Dissemination of the legislation to and provision of trainings for implementers. | Implementation of the legislation. | Monitoring and evaluation of compliance and impact. Review and revision of the legislation according to regional or global standards. |
2 | Accreditation of pre-service education | School accreditation system is not available. | Standards for accreditation of nursing schools are developed. | Nursing schools/programs are accredited by a regulatory authority through initial assessment. | Assessments are regularly carried out by a regulatory authority. Various levels of accreditation granted (i.e. probationary, conditional) | Accreditation standards align with regional or global guidelines. Accreditation status available to the public. |
3 | Competency assessment | National competency standards are not available. | National competency standards are being developed. | Examination or assessment content meets national competency standards. | An examination or assessment process is in place for initial registration and licensure. | Examination content aligns with global guidelines or regional competency standards and is updated regularly. |
4 | Registration and licensing system | Registration and licensing is not legally required for nurses to practice. | Registration and licensing is legally required for nurses to practice. Renewal of registration or licensing is required at intervals specified by the regulatory authority. | Registration and licensing system includes public sector nurses working under the Ministry of Health. | Registration and licensing system includes all public and private sector nurses. | Registration database can exchange with other health information system. Registration data used by decision makers for workforce policy and planning. |
5 | Tool and data flow of registration and licensing | Registration is not required for nurses to practice. But data on nurses working in the public sector are available (e.g. number of nurses). | The register is primarily paper-based system. Data are collected through a provincial level. | Both paper and electronic system for registration is used. Data are collected and gathered at national level. | Registration system is completely electronic and available online. | Registration, licensure and re-licensure services are available online. Data displays various registration statuses of nurses. |
6 | Scope of practice (SOP) | SOP not defined by regulation. | SOP are under development by a regulatory authority. | Nationally standardised SOP for all nurses categories are developed. | Nationally standardised SOP for all nurses categories are implemented. | The SOP are regularly and systematically reviewed and revised. All SOP align with regional or global guidelines and standards for nursing. |
7 | Continuing professional development (CPD) | CPD is voluntary or is provided on ad-hoc basis. | CPD is officially required for renewal of registration or licensure. | National CPD framework for nursing is developed. | National CPD framework for nursing is implemented. | System in place to monitor CPD compliance. Regular evaluation of CPD program carried out. CPD content aligns with reginal or global guidelines. Penalties for non-compliance with CPD exist. |
8 | Professional misconduct and disciplinary powers | Standards of professional conduct are not defined. | Standards of professional conduct are defined by a regulatory authority. | A regulatory authority investigates or initiates inquiries into professional misconduct. Appeals processes are available and accessible. | The processes and documentation of complaints and sanctions is transparent. Processes are in place for member of the public to lodge a complaint. | Professional conduct standards align with regional or global guidelines. The complaint management process is regularly evaluated for transparency and timeliness. Information on complaints and sanctions is available to the public. |