🔆 📖 ➕ 👤

Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979

1979 CHAPTER 36 I1

An Act to establish a Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, and National Boards for the four parts of the United Kingdom; to make new provision with respect to the education, training, regulation and discipline of nurses, midwives and health visitors and the maintenance of a single professional register; to amend an Act relating to the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work; and for purposes connected with those matters.

[4th April 1979]

F1 The Central Council

1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The National Boards and their relationship to the Central Council

5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F137 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F148 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Registration

10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F2411A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F3412A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Miscellaneous provisions about midwifery

15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F4618 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial provisions

19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Miscellaneous and general

21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F5822A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F6623 Interpretation and supplementary. cross-notes

F66 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F66 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F66 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The enactments specified in Schedule 7 are amended as there specified

F66 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24 Citation, etc. cross-notes

(1) This Act may be cited as the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979.

(2) This Act, except section 21(2) and this section (which shall come into force on the passing of this Act), shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint; and different days may be appointed for different provisions of this Act.

(3) This Act extends to Northern Ireland.

SCHEDULES

[F67 Schedule 1 Constitution etc. of Central Council

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Section 1.

SCHEDULE 1 Constitution etc. of Central Council

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Section 5.

SCHEDULE 2 Constitution etc. of National Boards

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHEDULE 3 Proceedings before Council and committees

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F76 SCHEDULE 4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Section 21.

SCHEDULE 5 Transitional provisions, etc.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Section 23(3).

SCHEDULE 6 Adaptations for Northern Ireland and its National Board

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Section 23(4)

SCHEDULE 7 Amendments of Enactments cross-notes

Nursing Homes Registration (Scotland) Act 1938 (c. 73)

[F92 1 In section 1(3)(d) of the Nursing Homes Registration (Scotland) Act 1938, for “ certified” substitute “ registered” . . . F92]

F93 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F94[F95 3 In section 10—

(a) omit the definitions of “ qualified nurse” and “ certified midwife” ;

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F95]

F96 Nurses (Scotland) Act 1951 (c.55)

[F97 4 In section 27 of the Nurses (Scotland) Act 1951—

(a) in subsection (1), for paragraphs (a) to (c) substitute—

“ (a) registered nurses and registered midwives; and ” and make paragraph (d) into paragraph (b);

(b) in subsection (3) for “ registered nurse” substitute “ registered and qualified nurse”. F97]

[F98 5 In section 29 for “ registered nurse” substitute “ registered and qualified nurse”. F98]

[F99 6 In section 32, omit the definition of “ certified midwife”. F99]

Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 (c. 20)

F100 6A In section 33—

(a) in section (5) omit the words from the beginning to “this section and” and for the word “him” substitute “ the Secretary of State ” ; and

(b) in subsection (6) omit the words from the beginning to “is exercised and”.

7 In section 11(1) and (1A) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, for “ certified midwife” substitute “ registered midwife ” .

Nurses Agencies Act 1957 (c.16)

F101 8 In section 1 of the Nurses Agencies Act 1957—

(a) in subsection (1), for paragraphs (a) to (c) substitute—

“ (a) registered nurses and registered midwives; and ” and make paragraph (d) into paragraph (b);

(b) in subsection (3), for “ registered nurse” substitute “ registered and qualified nurse”.

F102 9 In section 3(2), for “ registered nurse” substitute “ registered and qualified nurse”.

F103 10 In section 8, omit the definitions of “ certified midwife” “ enrolled nurse” and “ registered nurse” , and the word “ and” immediately preceding the latter.

Health Visiting and Social Work (Training) Act 1962 (c. 33)

F104 11 In paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to the Health Visiting and Social Work (Training) Act 1962, for “ General Nursing Council for England and Wales” substitute “ United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting ” .

Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965 (c.49)

12 In section 21(2) and (3) of the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965, for “ certified midwife” substitute “ registered midwife ” .

13 Omit section 21(6)

Medicines Act 1968 (c. 67)

14 In section 11 of the Medicines Act 1968—

(a) in subsection (1) for “ a registered nurse or as a certified midwife” substitute “ a registered and qualified nurse or a registered midwife ” ;

(b) omit subsection (2).

Commissioner for Complaints Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 (c. 25 N.I.)

F105 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nursing Homes and Nursing Agencies Act (Northern Ireland) 1971 (c.32 N.I.)

F106 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F107 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F108 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F109 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F109 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F109 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F109 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F110 23 In section 4(e) of the Nursing Homes Act 1975 for “ certified” substitute “ registered ” and for “ pupil midwife” substitute “ student midwife ” ; and at the end of section 4 insert—

“ (2) In relation to any nursing home, a person is to be treated as a qualified nurse if he possesses such qualifications as the Secretary of State considers to be requisite in the provision of nursing care for patients in that home. ” F110]

24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F111 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F112 Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (c. 65)

26 In paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 4 to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, for the words “ the issue” to “ section 20” substitute “ registration as midwives under the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979 ” .

Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 (c. 34)

27 In Schedule 1 to the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976, for paragraph 6 substitute—

“ 6. The service of nurses. ”

National Health Service Act 1977 (c.49)

28 In section 128(1) of the National Health Service Act 1977 omit the definition of “ certified midwife” and “ registered nurse” ; and in Schedule 4, paragraph 1 (5) (c), for “ certified” substitute “ registered ”

National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29)

29 In section 108(1) of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978, omit the definitions of “ certified midwife” and “ registered nurse”.

Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30)

30 In Schedule 1 to the Interpretation Act 1978 (words and expressions defined) at the appropriate place in alphabetical order insert—

“ “ Registered ” in relation to nurses, midwives and health visitors, means registered in the register maintained by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting by virtue of qualifications in nursing, midwifery or health visiting, as the case may be. ”

Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978 (c. 44)

F113 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

32—33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F114 Health and Personal Social Services Order (Northern Ireland) 1972 (S.I. 1972/1265 (N.I.14))

34 In Article 17(1) of the Health and Personal Social Services Order (Northern Ireland) 1972, after sub-paragraph (c), insert—

“ (d) provide such facilities and accommodation for persons training with a view to qualification for registration as nurses and midwives as the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Northern Ireland may require in discharging functions under section 6(1)(a) of the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979; . ”

F115 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Births and Deaths Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 (S.I. 1976/1042 (N.I. 15))

36 In Article 2(2) of the Births and Deaths Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 omit the definition of “ midwife” ; and in Article 15 for “ midwife” substitute “ registered midwife ” .

Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 (S.I. 1976/1042 (N.I. 15))

37 In paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 5 to the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, for the words from “ the issue” to “ Article 22)” substitute “ registration as midwives under the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979 ” .

Industrial Relations (No.2) (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 (S.I. 1976/2147 (N.I. 28))

[F116 38 In Article 15(4) of the Industrial Relations (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, for “ certified midwife” substitute “ registered midwife ” ; and in Article 32 omit the definition of “ certified midwife”. F116]

Section 23(5)

SCHEDULE 8 Repeals

Status: There are currently no known outstanding effects for the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979.
Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979 (1979/36)

Displaying information

Status of this instrument

footnotecommentarytransitional and savingsin force statusrelated provisionsgeo extentinsert/omitsource countin force adj
C1The text of s. 23(4)(5), Sch. 1 Pt.II para. 5, Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 5, Sch. 7, Sch. 8 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and, except as specified, does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1. 2. 1991.
C2S. 24(2) : power of appointment conferred by section 24(2) fully exercised: S.I. 1980/893 ; 1982/963, 1565; 1983/668
C7The text of s. 23(4)(5), Sch. 1 Pt.II para. 5, Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 5, Sch. 7, Sch. 8 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and, except as specified, does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1. 2. 1991.
F1Act repealed (except ss. 23(4), 24, Sch. 7) (19.6.1997) by 1997 c. 24 , ss. 23(3) , 24(2) , Sch. 6repealed
F66Act repealed (except ss. 23(4), 24, Sch. 7) (19.6.1997) by 1997 c. 24 , ss. 23(3) , 24(2) , Sch. 7repealed
F92Sch. 7 paras. 1-6 repealed (S.) (1.4.2002) by 2001 asp 8 , s. 80(1) , Sch. 4 ; S.S.I. 2002/162 , art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13 )repealed: Scotlandrepealed
F93Words repealed by Health Services Act 1980 (c. 53, SIF 113:2) , s. 25(4) , Sch. 7repealed
F94Sch. 7 paras. 2 , 3 ( b ) 24, 25 repealed by Health Services Act 1980 (c.53, SIF 113:2) , s. 25(4) , Sch. 7 ; and Sch. 7 para. 2 expressed to be repealed (S.) (1.4.2002) by 2001 asp 8 , s. 80(1) , Sch. 4 ; S.S.I. 2002/162 , art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13 )repealed: Scotlandrepealed
F95Sch. 7 paras. 1-6 repealed (S.) (1.4.2002) by 2001 asp 8 , s. 80(1) , Sch. 4 ; S.S.I. 2002/162 , art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13 )repealed: Scotlandrepealed
F96Sch. 7 paras. 2 , 3 ( b ) 24, 25 repealed by Health Services Act 1980 (c.53, SIF 113:2) , s. 25(4) , Sch. 7repealed
F97Sch. 7 paras. 1-6 repealed (S.) (1.4.2002) by 2001 asp 8 , s. 80(1) , Sch. 4 ; S.S.I. 2002/162 , art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13 )repealed: Scotlandrepealed
F98Sch. 7 paras. 1-6 repealed (S.) (1.4.2002) by 2001 asp 8 , s. 80(1) , Sch. 4 ; S.S.I. 2002/162 , art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13 )repealed: Scotlandrepealed
F99Sch. 7 paras. 1-6 repealed (S.) (1.4.2002) by 2001 asp 8 , s. 80(1) , Sch. 4 ; S.S.I. 2002/162 , art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13 )repealed: Scotlandrepealed
F100Sch. 7 para. 6A inserted (E.W.S.) by Health Services Act 1980 (c. 53, SIF 113:2) , s. 25(3) , Sch. 6 para. 11(1)inserted: England, Wales and Scotlandinserted
F101Sch. 7 paras. 8-10 repealed (1.1.2003 for E. and otherwise prosp. ) by 2000 c. 14 , ss. 117(2) , 122 , Sch. 6 ; S.I. 2001/4150 , art. 3(4) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 4 and S.I. 2002/1493 , art. 4 and as amended ( 31 . 5 . 2002 ) by S.I. 2002/1790 , art. 3 ); as amended (29.7.2002) by S.I. 2002/2001 , art. 4text repealed prospectively or the amendment may be in effect for limited purposes, see the commentary.repealed: Englandrepealed
F102Sch. 7 paras. 8-10 repealed (1.1.2003 for E. and otherwise prosp. ) by 2000 c. 14 , ss. 117(2) , 122 , Sch. 6 ; S.I. 2001/4150 , art. 3(4) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 4 and S.I. 2002/1493 , art. 4 and as amended ( 31 . 5 . 2002 ) by S.I. 2002/1790 , art. 3 ); as amended (29.7.2002) by S.I. 2002/2001 , arts. 2(3) , 3text repealed prospectively or the amendment may be in effect for limited purposes, see the commentary.repealed: Englandrepealed
F103Sch. 7 paras. 8-10 repealed (1.1.2003 for E. and otherwise prosp. ) by 2000 c. 14 , ss. 117(2) , 122 , Sch. 6 ; S.I. 2001/4150 , art. 3(4) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 4 and S.I. 2002/1493 , art. 4 and as amended ( 31 . 5 . 2002 ) by S.I. 2002/1790 , art. 3 ); as amended (29.7.2002) by S.I. 2002/2001 , arts. 2(3) , 3text repealed prospectively or the amendment may be in effect for limited purposes, see the commentary.repealed: Englandrepealed
F104Sch. 7 para. 11 repealed (E.W.S.) by Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983 (c. 41, SIF 113:3) , s. 30 , Sch. 10 Pt. Irepealed: England, Wales and Scotlandrepealed
F105Sch. 7 para. 15 repealed (16.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1297 , art. 23(2) , Sch. 5repealed
F106Sch. 7 paras. 16-18 repealed (1. 4. 1993) by S.I. 1992/3204 (N.I. 20) , art. 38 , Sch. 2 ; S.R. 1993/75 , art.2repealed
F107Sch. 7 paras. 16-18 repealed (1. 4. 1993) by S.I. 1992/3204 (N.I. 20) , art. 38 , Sch.2 ; S.R. 1993/75 , art.2repealed
F108Sch. 7 paras. 16-18 repealed (1. 4. 1993) by S.I. 1992/3204 (N.I. 20) , art. 38 , Sch.2 ; S.R. 1993/75 , art.2repealed
F109Sch. 7 paras. 19-22 repealed (N.I.) (1.4.2005) by The Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/431) , art. 1(3) , Sch. 5 ; S.R. 2005/44 , art. 3 , Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-13 )this amendment (text repealed) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.repealed: Northern Irelandrepealed
F109Sch. 7 paras. 19-22 repealed (N.I.) (1.4.2005) by The Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/431) , art. 1(3) , Sch. 5 ; S.R. 2005/44 , art. 3 , Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-13 )this amendment (text repealed) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.repealed: Northern Irelandrepealed
F109Sch. 7 paras. 19-22 repealed (N.I.) (1.4.2005) by The Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/431) , art. 1(3) , Sch. 5 ; S.R. 2005/44 , art. 3 , Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-13 )this amendment (text repealed) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.repealed: Northern Irelandrepealed
F109Sch. 7 paras. 19-22 repealed (N.I.) (1.4.2005) by The Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/431) , art. 1(3) , Sch. 5 ; S.R. 2005/44 , art. 3 , Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-13 )this amendment (text repealed) should be read in conjunction with other related provisions, see the commentary.repealed: Northern Irelandrepealed
F110Sch. 7 para. 23 repealed (E.W.) by Registered Homes Act 1984 (c.23, SIF 113:3) , s. 57 , Sch. 3repealed: England and Walesrepealed
F111Sch. 7 paras. 2, 3( b ) 24, 25 repealed by Health Services Act 1980 (c.53, SIF 113:2) , s. 25(4) , Sch. 7repealed
F112Sch. 7 paras. 2, 3( b ) 24, 25 repealed by Health Services Act 1980 (c.53, SIF 113:2) , s. 25(4) , Sch. 7repealed
F113Sch. 7 para. 31 repealed (10.6.1994) by 1993 (c. 19), s. 51, Sch. 10; S.I. 1994/1365 , art. 2 , Sch.repealed
F114Sch. 7 paras. 32 , 33 repealed by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1981 (c.19) , s. 1(1) , Sch. 1 Pt. IVrepealed
F115Sch. 7 para. 35 repealed (1.4.1994) by S.I. 1994/429 , arts. 1(3) , 7(3) , Sch. 2repealed
F116Sch. 7 para. 38 repealed (7.2.1994 except for specified purposes and 1.7.1994 otherwise) by S.I. 1993/2668 (N.I. 11) , art. 18(4) , Sch.8 ; S.R. 1993/476 , art.2 , Sch. ; S.R. 1994/215 , art. 2(1)commentary suggests repealedrepealed
I1Act partly in force at Royal Assent see s. 24(2) ; Act wholly in force 1 July 1983
Defined TermSection/ArticleIDScope of Application
This instrument is derived from the version at www.legislation.gov.uk. To see a list of all amendments (including any to be made) check the resources page for this instrument on their website. Note, the status of this instrument is given above.
This instrument is derived from the version at www.legislation.gov.uk. To see original commencement information, check the resources page associated with this instrument. n.b. commencement information for marked amendments is embedded in the relevant footnote.

Status of changes to instrument text

The list includes made instruments, both those in force and those yet to come into force. Typically, instruments that are not yet in force (hence their changes are not incorporated into the text above) are indicated by description 'not yet' in the changes made column.