The NMC has published new return to practice standards on Monday 20 May 2019.

A nurse, midwife or nursing associate must undertake a minimum number of practice hours to remain on, but also rejoin, the NMC register.  However, there are cases where nurses, midwifes or nursing associates are unable to undertake the required practice hours in order to rejoin the register.

In these cases, the NMC’s return to practice standards set out the options available (i.e. if you are unable to meet the practice hours requirements.)

These standards apply if you:

• have lapsed from our register and want to rejoin the register by seeking readmission but can’t meet the practice hours and CPD requirements
• are on our register and want to renew registration but can’t meet the practice hours and registration requirements.

What are the new return to practice standards?

Readmission standards

In order to be eligible for readmission to the register you must have:

• completed 750 hours of practice in the previous five years, or
• completed 450 hours of practice in the previous three years, or
• completed the equivalent number of registered practice hours
• while registered with the relevant regulator overseas, or
• successfully completed an NMC approved return to
• practice programme

Revalidation standards

If you have practised for fewer than the required number of hours in the three-year period since your registration was last renewed (or you joined the register) and you have considered the above, then before the date of your application for renewal of registration you must:

• successfully complete an NMC approved return to practice programme.

From January 2020, there will be an alternative option for nurses, midwives and nursing associates to take a test of competence for the relevant part of the register.