Circular 8/2014 Accreditation of Nursing Education programmes and NEIs by SANC
28 July 2014
Accreditation of Nursing Education Programmes and Nursing Education Institutions by the South African Nursing Council
It has come to the attention of the South African Nursing Council (SANC) that there are certain associations/organizations that are informing the Nursing Education Institutions that any institution can offer Nursing Education Programs without being accredited by SANC.
Kindly take note that this is misleading and the information provided by such associations/ organizations either through letters or on their websites is incorrect. We kindly refer you to the provisions of the National Health Act No. 61 of 2003 and Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005 in this regard. The South African Nursing Council is the statutory body established by the Nursing Act to regulate all matters regarding Nursing Education and Training as well as practice.
Your attention is specifically drawn to Section 32 of the Nursing Act (Registration of learners), Section 38 (Qualifications prescribed for registration) as well as Section 42 (Education and training) where it is clear that no person can enroll to study towards becoming a nurse practitioner and no institution may provide any such education and training without being accredited by the South African Nursing Council. Contravention of these sections constitutes criminal offences for which a fine or imprisonment for a period of up to two years or both such fine and such imprisonment may be ordered by the court of law.
Your attention is further drawn to Section 31 of the Nursing Act (Registration as prerequisite to practice) where it is clear that no person may practise nursing in South Africa if not registered with the South African Nursing Council. Contravention of this section is a criminal offence for which a fine or imprisonment for a twelve month period or both such fine and such imprisonment can be ordered by the court of law. We urge you to take the matters addressed above seriously and be advised that SANC in its quest to protect the Public will not hesitate to act against any contravention of the Nursing Act.
Furthermore, persons who study at institutions not accredited and registered with the South African Nursing Council will not be able to register with the South African Nursing Council to enable them to practise nursing. They will also not be eligible to practise nursing outside the boarders of South Africa as the Nursing Councils of other countries first obtain proof of registration from the South African Nursing Council before they allow any practitioner to practise nursing in their country.
We trust that you find this in order.
(Signed) Mr. Tendani Mabuda |
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