The NMC Fitness to Practise Process
When a concern is referred to the NMC, it is first assessed to determine whether it engages the fitness to practise process. If it passes the initial assessment, the NMC investigates the concern, gathers evidence, and invites the registrant to provide a response. Following investigation, the matter may be referred to a Fitness to Practise Committee for a full hearing, resolved through a consensual panel determination, or closed. The NMC's Fitness to Practise Committee applies The Code: Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour when assessing registrants' conduct and performance.
Interim Orders
Where the NMC considers it necessary to protect the public pending the outcome of a fitness to practise investigation, it may apply to an Interim Orders Committee for an interim conditions of practice order or an interim suspension order. These orders can be imposed very quickly and can have an immediate and significant impact on your ability to work. Our solicitors can attend interim orders hearings at short notice, make submissions opposing the imposition of an interim order, or seek to limit its scope and duration.
Types of Concerns Referred to the NMC
NMC fitness to practise proceedings may arise from clinical errors and patient safety incidents, medication administration errors, dishonesty or falsification of records, theft, inappropriate conduct towards patients including boundary violations, workplace conduct concerns including bullying or unprofessional behaviour, health impairment including substance dependency, criminal convictions or cautions, concerns about competence or knowledge, social media misconduct, and concerns raised by employers, patients, or family members.
Medication Errors and Systemic Context
In cases involving medication errors or clinical failings, it is often important to examine the systemic context in which the error occurred — including staffing levels, the adequacy of training and supervision, and the systems in place for error detection and reporting. These matters can be highly relevant to the question of individual culpability. We ensure that the full systemic context is properly placed before the committee and that individual accountability is assessed fairly against the environment in which the registrant was working.
Defences, Mitigation, and Your Right to Choose Your Solicitor
Where allegations are factually disputed, we examine the evidence carefully, identify inconsistencies, seek independent expert nursing or midwifery opinion, and represent you robustly at any hearing. Where facts are accepted, demonstrating genuine insight, understanding of the impact on patients and the profession, and commitment to remediation can make a significant difference to the sanction imposed. Many nurses and midwives can instruct a solicitor of their own choosing with costs met by their insurer or union — contact us and we will review your cover at no obligation.