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Table 1 Regulatory function framework

From: Regulation of nursing professionals in Cambodia and Vietnam: a review of the evolution and key influences

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.