NMBI would like to remind all registered nurses and midwives that the updated Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (the Code) came into effect on 11 May 2021.

The updated Code is available on our website and a link is being issued to each nurse and midwife on our Register by email.

The Code is the keystone of the NMBI’s professional guidance and is mandated by the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011. The updated Code reflects recent legislative changes and will guide nurses and midwives in the delivery of patient care in their day-to-day practice. Each nurse and midwife has a responsibility to uphold the values of the professions to ensure their practice reflects high standards and protects the public.

The updated Code includes updates on the following:

• Considerations of relevant Irish legislation enacted since 2015:

• Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015
• Children First Act 2015
• Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017
• Data Protection Acts 1988-2018
• Freedom of Information Act 2014
• Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2007 (ratified by the Irish Government in 2018)

• Principle 1 – respect for the dignity of the person:

• Revision and additions to the standards of conduct related to termination of pregnancy and conscientious objection; and capacity
• Additional supporting guidance for capacity

• Principle 2 – Professional responsibility and accountability:

• Revision to the standard of conduct relating to health and safety of patients and personal safety
• Update to the standards of conduct relating to conscientious objection.

• Updated references and resources.