First regional Regulation Conference Dubai Health Authority October, 2014 Fatima Al Rifai, PhD, RN Advisor for Nursing Affairs, Ministry of Health Board member and Secretary, UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council Role of UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council in unifying nursing and midwifery standards

Background UAE healthcare challenges Current Trends Nursing and midwifery profile in UAE UAE Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) NMC Solutions, Products & Services Outline

Background UAE is witnessing rapid economic and social development Government is redefining its role to be regulator and enforcer Private sector is evolving as service provider Emerging civil society role

UAE healthcare challenges Increased demand and cost of healthcare due to: – Growth in population – Chronic diseases – Life style – High tech- equipment and facilities – Environmental related health problems Increased public expectation Evolving role of private sector as service provider

Current Trends Government Private Sector  Redefining role of the governments  Separation of health regulatory and service provision functions  Outsourcing government services  Bigger role  Social responsibilities  Ethical practices Public Private Partnerships  Sharing responsibilities  Advocating partnership models

Nursing Situation in UAE Shortage of nurses/few UAE nurses Working conditions Diverse nursing workforce Status of nursing and image Low enrollment in nursing schools Absence of unified regulatory mechanism Absence of nursing specialization programs

Nurse workforce indicators Total number of nurses 31,000 Emirati nurses 4% Nurse : Population UAE 445 : 100,000 USA 773 : 100,000* EMRO 159 : 100,000*

Nurses profile Skill mix Registered nurse 79% Practical nurses 15% Helper/nurses aids 6% Education Diploma 61% BSN 28% Higher education and specialization 11% Gender Male 12% Female 88%

Current Nursing & Midwifery Trends Low Supply Worldwide shortage of nurses & midwives Lack of unified regulations to ensure competence and skill maintenance Identity and image of nursing & midwives Growing Demand Increased consumer awareness Technological innovations in healthcare Rising Acuity, Chronic illness, Aging

Council Launch Council President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice – President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Council Launch Ceremony 22 March 2010 attended by HRH Princess Muna Al-Hussein, President of the Jordanian Nursing Council (JNC) and Patron of Nursing & Midwifery for the WHO-EMRO; HE Dr. Hanif Hassan Ali, UAE Minister of Health; HE Humaid Al Qutami, UAE Minister of Education

Council Authority The Council was established by a 2009 Ministerial Decree in recognizing that a high quality nursing and midwifery profession contributes significantly to quality health care Article (2) There shall be by virtue of this section, the establishment of a body to be known as the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council that shall report to the Ministry of Health Article (3) The Council aims to regulate nursing and midwifery, promote and advance nursing services, protect and promote the health and safety of the public based on the highest standards

Council Functions Article (7): Recommends Strategies for the regulation and advancement of the profession Standards for education and accreditation of the nursing and midwifery programs in collaboration with concerned parties Standards for clinical practice environments (teaching hospitals, other clinical training settings) in collaboration with concerned parties Standards necessary for the advancement of the profession and standards related to practice Standards related to continuous education and recognition of specialization programs in collaboration with concerned parties Programs for the development of human capital and technical skills in the profession including leadership development

Council Functions Article (7) (continued) Standards for registration, licensing and practice that comply with current laws of the country Code of conduct for the profession based on international standards Promote research in the profession Approve donations and monetary assistance that comply with the council’s goals and objectives Carry out other functions that are delegated to council by the minister

President Council Governance Council Secretary Council Staff Board Members Ministry of Health Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministry of Education Ministry of the Interior – Health Services Nursing Colleges and Institutes in the UAE Emirates Nursing Association Emirates Medical Association HAAD DHA SEHA Dubai Healthcare City Private Sector Hospitals Dubai Healthcare City Manages & Conducts the work of the Council Oversee activities Prioritize & Delegate Review and Modify Approve Article (4) The Council shall consist of the President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein and a number of nominated members from the specified entities

Why Nursing & Midwifery Council?  To ensure that the public has access to safe competent nurses & midwives  To improve quality of services through ensuring better educated nurses who practice to internationally recognised standards  To ensure nurses and midwives embrace caring, trust, and ethical culture and conduct  To strengthen the identity and positioning of nursing & midwifery Ultimate purpose of nursing & midwifery regulation is public protection

Council Focus National Standards Developing National Standards for the four priority areas; education, practice, service, and registration and licensure Expert and Authoritative Advice Providing Expert and Authoritative Advice to the public, health authorities and the professionals Capacity Development developing Emirati Contributing to the Capacity Development of the national nursing and midwifery workforce with emphasis on developing Emirati nurses and midwives Standards that are Current and Benchmark Establishing and Maintaining Standards that are Current and Benchmark with international and regional standards Identity & Status Strengthening the Identity & Status of UAE nursing & midwifery Research Supporting and Conducting Research to establish the Scientific Basis for Practice & leadership

The Activities of the Council Key Principle: Collaborative processes, engaged stakeholders to develop, implement and monitor standards. Scientific Committees Nursing & Midwifery Practice Scope of Practice Standards Competencies Specialization Model Specialty Standards Positive work environment standards Nursing & Midwifery Education National education strategy National workforce development - Emiratization Standards for degree- granting nursing programs Standards for NCE programs Nursing & Midwifery Registration & Licensure Standards for licensure National licensing exams Nurse & Midwifery registry Fitness to practice Ethics & violations

The Activities of the Council Key Principle: Collaborative processes, engaged stakeholders to develop, implement and monitor standards. Other Activities Research Center Nursing and Hospital Quality Research project Formation of task force Establishing the structure Councils’ Identity Bylaws Document Logos and signage Communication Strategy policies and procedures Building alliances Emirates Foundation Media Civil Societies

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