NMC guidance hub
NMC fitness to practise: guidance and solicitor matching
Guidance for nurses, midwives and nursing associates at screening, investigation, case-examiner and hearing stages.
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What this guidance covers
A stage-specific map for NMC.
NMC cases often begin alongside an employer process. A joined-up plan helps prevent early statements or local findings from being handled in isolation.
Use the supporting guides to move from the first notice through evidence, hearings, outcomes and any review. Start with the question raised by the latest letter rather than trying to read the whole process at once.
Common entry points
- Clinical or medicines-management allegations
- Record-keeping or communication concerns
- Dishonesty, conduct or health allegations
- Case Examiner proposals or undertakings
- Interim order, substantive or review hearings
Guides for each stage
8 focused guides in procedural order.
Start with the guide matching the latest letter or decision. From there, you can move to the stages immediately before and after it, or return to this overview.
NMC screening and ongoing-risk decisions
Screening considers whether the concern falls within the NMC's remit and whether regulatory action may be needed. Local action and regulatory action serve different functions and should not be assumed to produce identical outcomes.
Read the guide Guide 02Responding to an NMC fitness-to-practise investigation
An investigation response should distinguish facts, context, current risk and strengthened practice. Employer findings may matter, but they do not automatically determine the NMC decision.
Read the guide Guide 03NMC case examiners: no case, warning, advice or undertakings
Two case examiners consider whether a case should conclude, result in another outcome or proceed to the Fitness to Practise Committee. Each option has a different practical and publication effect.
Read the guide Guide 04NMC interim order hearings and reviews
An interim order can impose conditions or suspension while the underlying case proceeds. Initial applications and later reviews focus on current risk and temporary necessity.
Read the guide Guide 05NMC meeting or hearing: which route applies?
A meeting is decided on the papers in private, while a hearing permits live participation and evidence. The appropriate route can affect how disputed facts and personal evidence are tested.
Read the guide Guide 06NMC consensual panel determinations explained
A consensual panel determination proposes an agreed way to conclude a case, but the panel retains its own responsibility. Admissions, impairment and the proposed outcome require informed consideration.
Read the guide Guide 07Preparing for an NMC Fitness to Practise Committee hearing
An NMC final hearing may decide facts, grounds, current impairment and sanction. A clear bundle and witness plan help the panel distinguish evidence from submission.
Read the guide Guide 08NMC sanctions and substantive order reviews
A substantive-order review looks forward as well as back. Compliance, insight, strengthened practice and current capability help determine whether restriction remains necessary.
Read the guideHow an introduction works
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Primary-source register
Built from current regulator material.
Sources checked 19 September 2026. Check the linked regulator material for later amendments and use the corrections route if a source or summary needs attention.
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