TO:        NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

               NURSING SERVICE MANAGERS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTH ESTABLISHMENTS

                NURSING AGENCIES

               ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT: INTENTION TO DISCONTINUE THE PRACTICE OF PRINTING ANNUAL PRACTICING CERTIFICATES (APCs) AS PROOF OF NURSE PRACTITIONER’S REGISTRATION STATUS BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

1. PURPOSE
   • The purpose of this circular is to communicate Council’s future intention to discontinue the practice of printing Annual Practicing Certificates as proof of nurses’ registration status.

2. BACKGROUND
   • The South African Nursing Council is a statutory body that is empowered by the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) to protect the public in matters involving health services in general and nursing services in particular.
   • Section 31(3) of the Act mandates employers not to employ or retain in employment a person to perform the functions pertaining to the profession of nursing, other than a person who holds the necessary qualifications and who is registered under subsection (1) or (2). Section 37 further states that the APC is proof that the Practitioner is registered according to the provisions of the Nursing Act.
   • Currently, after the nurses pay the renewal fee for the practicing license, the Council issues printed Annual Practicing Certificates and sends them to nurses via the Post Office.
   • Employers use the print-outs to confirm a nurse’s registration status with the SANC. Additionally, the prospective employers rely on these print-outs to verify the authenticity of a nurse’s registration before employing
   • Post Office challenges have negatively impacted on the Council ‘s ability to deliver these APCs by post, sometimes resulting in nurses not receiving them or not receiving them on time, sometimes affecting their prospects of securing employment opportunities. In addition, other statutory councils have been using electronic forms of verification successfully.

3. COUNCIL RESOLUTION
   • The Council deliberated on the matter at its ordinary meeting of the 13 July 2024 and resolved to notify the profession, employers and stakeholders of its intention to discontinue the practice of printing and issuing APCs as proof of nurses’ registration status in future.
   • Printing of APCs will not be stopped immediately, this Circular is communicating Council’s intention and alerting clients and stakeholders that Council will be moving towards a digital environment in future.
   • Employers and all stakeholders are urged to use the e-Register for verification instead of requesting nurses to produce printed/hard copies of their APCs.
   • The e-Register is up to date and provides reliable confirmation/verification of the nurse registration status.
   • The e-Register is easily accessible on the SANC website, sanc.co.za/eregister/ .

4. IMPLICATIONS

The contents of this circular must be brought to the attention of all nurses, employers and stakeholders.

5. IMPLEMENTATION

This circular shall be effective from the date of issue and any enquiries can be directed to

Dr J Muswede, Senior Manager: Professional Practice via email at [email protected] or by phone at 012 420 1008.

Yours sincerely

________________

PROF NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

DATE: ___________________________________

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