Regulation and Education

Regulation of the nursing protects the public by establishing and enforcing standards for conduct, education and practice. It benefits both healthcare providers and the public as it helps to advance nursing education and practice quality and improve the mobility of nurses between countries. Regulatory bodies are also increasingly responsible for producing and maintaining data and evidence about the health workforce. 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care professionals, supplies, equipment and infrastructure shortages have resulted in emergency declarations and regulatory and educational changes. Moving forward, there is an urgent need to rapidly increase the capacity and capability of the nursing workforce. To ensure that the highest quality of care is affordable, safe and accessible to the public, nursing education and regulation must continue to evolve and keep pace with the times. 

From the very beginnings of ICN’s history, the organization has been the global leader for promoting and guiding nursing education and regulation. ICN continues its work in this area to protect the public, serve populations and support the advancement and evolution of the nursing profession.