Nurses, midwives, educators and other interested parties have until 5pm on Wednesday, 29 July 2026 to make submissions on proposed new standards for post-registration specialist education.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is inviting submissions on draft standards that would introduce a more defined regulatory framework for specialist nursing and midwifery education.
The consultation closes at 5pm on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
The proposals would require future specialist programmes seeking NMBI accreditation to lead to a minimum Level 9 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.
They would also have to comprise at least 60 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits, commonly known as ECTS credits. At least 10 credits would have to relate to assessed clinical competence in the relevant specialist area.
What the proposed standards would change
NMBI says this is the first time it has developed specific standards for specialist nursing and midwifery education.
The new framework would replace the existing Post-Registration Nursing and Midwifery Programme Standards and Requirements, originally published in 2010 and revised in 2015. It would also replace specialist-education requirements contained in an earlier professional-development framework from 2008.
Under the proposals, each programme would have to include a structured and assessed clinical practicum linked to its specialist learning outcomes.
Education providers and participating clinical services would be expected to provide suitable practice-learning environments, qualified assessors and clear programme-governance arrangements.
The draft also calls for programmes to support reflective practice, interdisciplinary learning, inclusion and digital literacy, including the use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Patients, members of the public, learners and other stakeholders would be expected to have an appropriate role in programme development, delivery and evaluation.
Standards for specialist practice
The proposals describe specialist practice through six principles aligned with NMBI’s Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics:
- Respect
- Accountability
- Competence
- Trust
- Collaboration
- Leadership
According to the draft, specialist practice should demonstrate enhanced knowledge, clinical judgement, critical thinking, autonomy and responsibility within a defined area of nursing or midwifery.
However, the standards would not create or prescribe particular job titles. Responsibility for creating and designating specialist posts would remain with employers, taking account of the role’s scope and practice context.
Existing qualifications and posts
The draft standards are intended to operate prospectively.
NMBI states that they would apply to specialist programmes seeking accreditation after the standards are implemented. They are not intended to affect qualifications already awarded or specialist posts established before implementation.
This distinction is important for nurses and midwives who already hold specialist qualifications or work in existing specialist roles.
The publication of draft standards does not itself change current qualification or employment requirements.
Who can take part?
NMBI is seeking submissions from nurses, midwives, clinical and academic experts, education providers, health-service employers, governance leads, people using health services and members of the public.
Participants are asked to read the consultation document before completing the regulator’s online survey.
The deadline is 5pm on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
What happens next?
NMBI says the standards will be considered by its Education, Training and Standards Committee before being submitted to the Board for approval.
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