It has released updated guidance that says employers should make referrals in such cases before launching their own investigations.
The regulator is calling on employers to make referrals as quickly as possible so it can consider issuing an interim suspension until the case has been fully investigated.
The NMC has clarified its advice as a result of cases in which employers have ‘misunderstood their responsibility to refer quickly if patient safety is at risk’.
NMC director of fitness to practise, Jackie Smith, said: ‘We would like to remind employers that if they believe the public’s health and wellbeing is at immediate and serious risk, they should contact us straight away.
‘This will give us the opportunity to issue an interim suspension or restrict the person’s practice while the case is investigated.
‘We are committed to working in partnership with employers and this is highlighted by the implementation of referral back for local investigation in less serious cases.’
The revised advice and information also clarifies what might happen in less serious instances.
When appropriate, cases may be referred back to the employer to be dealt with locally.
But this will only be considered when the employer is in a position to conduct a local investigation in a managed environment.
The revised publication now also includes more detailed information about the existing responsibilities of employers to check references, identity and competence.
There is also a step-by-step guide to help employers decide whether a referral to the NMC is necessary.
The updated
Advice and information for employers of nurses and midwives is available to download or in hard copy at
www.nmc-uk.org/Employers-and-managers/
