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cap 257 summarized by you

M-Wakili's Summary of the Nurses and Midwives Act (Cap 257)

The Nurses and Midwives Act (Cap 257) is a Kenyan law that regulates the training, registration, and licensing of nurses and midwives in Kenya. It also sets out the ethical and professional standards that nurses and midwives must adhere to.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Purpose of the Act

  3. Key Provisions of the Act 3.1. Registration and Licensing 3.2. Professional Conduct 3.3. Disciplinary Proceedings 3.4. The Nursing Council of Kenya

  4. Case Laws

  5. Conclusion

  6. TLDR

Introduction

The Nurses and Midwives Act (Cap 257) is a crucial piece of legislation in Kenya that governs the nursing and midwifery profession. It ensures the delivery of safe and effective nursing and midwifery care to the public by setting standards for training, registration, and professional conduct.

Purpose of the Act

The primary purpose of the Nurses and Midwives Act is to:

  • Regulate the training, registration, and licensing of nurses and midwives. This ensures that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice nursing and midwifery in Kenya.

  • Ensure the maximum participation of nurses and midwives in the health care of the community. This emphasizes the importance of nurses and midwives in providing essential healthcare services to the Kenyan population.

  • Regulate the conduct of nurses and midwives. This establishes ethical and professional standards that nurses and midwives must adhere to in their practice.

Key Provisions of the Act

3.1. Registration and Licensing

The Act establishes the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) as the body responsible for registering and licensing nurses and midwives. The NCK sets the standards for training and education, conducts examinations, and issues licenses to qualified individuals.

  • Eligibility for Registration: To be eligible for registration as a nurse or midwife, an individual must have completed a recognized training program and passed the NCK examinations.

  • Types of Registration: The Act provides for different categories of registration, including:

    • Registered Nurse: This is the highest level of registration for nurses.

    • Enrolled Nurse: This category is for nurses who have completed a shorter training program.

    • Registered Midwife: This category is for midwives who have completed a recognized midwifery training program.

  • Renewal of Licenses: Nurses and midwives are required to renew their licenses periodically to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest knowledge and skills.

3.2. Professional Conduct

The Act outlines the ethical and professional standards that nurses and midwives must adhere to in their practice. These standards include:

  • Maintaining confidentiality of patient information.

  • Providing care with compassion and respect.

  • Acting in the best interests of the patient.

  • Maintaining professional boundaries.

  • Avoiding discrimination and prejudice.

  • Upholding the integrity of the nursing and midwifery profession.

3.3. Disciplinary Proceedings

The Act provides for disciplinary proceedings against nurses and midwives who violate the provisions of the Act or engage in professional misconduct. The NCK has the power to investigate complaints, hold hearings, and impose sanctions, which may include:

  • Suspension of license.

  • Revocation of license.

  • Fines.

  • Reprimands.

3.4. The Nursing Council of Kenya

The Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) is a statutory body established by the Nurses and Midwives Act. It is responsible for:

  • Setting standards for nursing and midwifery education and training.

  • Conducting examinations for nurses and midwives.

  • Registering and licensing nurses and midwives.

  • Regulating the conduct of nurses and midwives.

  • Investigating complaints and taking disciplinary action against nurses and midwives.

Case Laws

Answered by mwakili.com