What questions do I need to answer during my NMBA Registration Renewal?
Published: 22 May 2023
It’s almost time for registered nurses and midwives to renew their NMBA registration. When you renew your registration, you’ll need to answer a number of important questions. The wording of the questions may change slightly year-to-year, so it is important to read the questions carefully.
If you are unsure about how to answer a particular question, it’s important to get advice before submitting your application. Give the QNMU a call. Complicated matters will be referred to QNMU Law for specific advice, as a benefit of your union membership.
Do I need to declare a health issue when I renew my registration?
The renewal form may ask: “Do you have an impairment that detrimentally affects, or is likely to detrimentally affect, your capacity to practise the profession?” An “impairment” is a physical or mental impairment, disability, condition or disorder (including substance abuse or dependence) that detrimentally affects or is likely to detrimentally affect your capacity to practise the profession.
However, an illness or health condition that is safely managed is not the same as an impairment. In our view, if you have a health condition that is safely managed, and does not affect your capacity to carry out your role, this is not something that is required to be declared when you renew your registration.
How individual practitioners should answer the impairment question will depend on a number of factors applicable to the individual at the time of making the declaration. If you are unsure how you should answer this question, contact the QNMU.
Do I have to declare a criminal charge?
There is a broad definition of “criminal history”, and it even includes charges that were dropped, and matters where a conviction was not recorded. If you have had any charges against you, we recommend seeking specific advice regarding whether or not you are required to make a disclosure when seeking renewal.
The question about right to practise generally applies to practitioners in private practice, rather than employed nurses and midwives, though again, seek advice if you’re unsure.
What other questions do I need to answer?
To meet the recency of practice requirements, nurses and midwives must have practised for a minimum of 450 hours in the past five years.
The professional indemnity insurance question is an easy one – if you're a financial member of the QNMU for the relevant period (i.e. are up to date with your payments and paying the correct rate), then you are covered!
With regard to CPD, nurses and midwives are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours per year, though more may be required if you hold dual registration, or an endorsement.
If you are unsure how to answer any of the questions on the renewal form, seek advice before you submit it.
When do I have to renew?
The due date for applying for registration renewal is 31 May 2023. However, there is also a ‘late period’, until 30 June 2023, where practitioners can apply to renew their registration, but will also need to pay a late fee.
If you have applied to renew your registration, you are able to keep practising while the NMBA considers your renewal application, even if the date for registration expiry has passed. If a practitioner is on the register, they can practise (so long as their registration is not suspended, etc).
If you have not applied to renew your registration by 30 June 2023, you will be removed from the NMBA register. If you are not on the register, you can’t practise.
If you forget to renew your registration, you must cease practise immediately – there are serious penalties that can apply if you practise without holding appropriate registration. To return to practise, you will need to reapply for registration, and wait until your registration has been granted by the NMBA. There may be a ‘fast track’ application process available for re-registration, but you’ll need to stop practising until it is processed.
Don’t forget to renew! And if you have any questions, get in contact with the QNMU!