2001-06-06

To all Nursing Education Institutions, Universities, Technikons, Nursing Colleges and Nursing Schools

Review of Distinguishing Devices and Uniforms for the Nursing Profession

South African Nursing Council , after consultation with Stakeholders, is presently reviewing the following Regulations that pertain to Distinguishing Devices and uniforms for nurses:

The guiding principles that inform the amendment of the above regulations are:

1. Distinguishing Devices for nurses are to be in keeping with technological advances.
2. Distinguishing Devices will be the primary focus of the new regulations.
3. Dress code rather than uniforms will be prescribed.
4. The Distinguishing Devices should assist the public to identify a nurse.
5. South African Nursing Council will be the sole authority responsible for the distribution of all Distinguishing Devices pertaining to nursing.

The process and the estimated time schedule for each process will be as follows:

2001-2002

Amendment to regulations and recommendations made to the Minister of Health for promulgation.

2001-2002

Development of administrative structures and procedures necessary for the implementation of the new Distinguishing Devices.

2002-2003

Introduction of new Distinguishing Devices and phasing out of old Distinguishing Devices.

The Council at this stage, cannot provide you with further details about the nature of the amendments to the regulations or the form in which the new Distinguishing Devices will take.  We are presently investigating various options and the profession will be kept duly informed about developments.

Signed
Dr G Ramadi
for Registrar and Chief Executive Officer
South African Nursing Council