FORENSIC NURSING

Introduction
Forensic nursing is a relatively new specialty, recognized by the American Nurses Association in
1995. In an ideal situation, a forensic nurse will be the first healthcare professional to deal with a
victim of violence or abuse – that includes sexual assault, domestic violence, child or elder
abuse, human trafficking, assault, or homicide. He or she may also be called on to assess and
collect evidence from the perpetrators of the crime.
Forensic nurses also have specialized knowledge of the legal system and skills in injury
identification, evaluation, and documentation. According to the International Association of
Forensic Nurses, a forensic nurse collects evidence, provides medical testimony and collaborates
with legal authorities during the course of her job.
Definition
Forensic nursing is defined as the application of the nursing process to public or legal
proceedings, and the application of forensic health care in the scientific investigation of trauma
and/or death related to abuse, violence, criminal activity, liability, and accidents.
A forensic nurse is a registered or advanced practice nurse with specific education and training
to provide specialized care for patients who are experiencing acute and long term health
consequences associated with victimization or violence, and / or have unmet evidentiary needs
relative to having been victimized or accused of victimization.
History and development of forensic nursing
Early beginning • 12th century- forensic nursing examiner were involved in death
investigation
• “Forensic Nursing” term was coined in 1990s
1980s • Nurses were involved in sexual assault
• Sexual Assault Nursing Examiner (SANE) was established
1990s • Scope of forensic nurse was expanded beyond Sexual assault
examiner to domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse & trauma
care
1992 • International Association for Forensic Nurses (IAFN) was formed
• 1997- Forensic nursing specialty was recognized by ANA
2000s • Forensic subspecialities like forensic psychiatric nursing,
correctional nursing and legal nurse consulting was established
 Virginia ALynch, Mother of Forensic Nursing, and a strong advocate for the forensic
nursing specialty in the United States, pushed to have the specialty recognized and helped
to form programs in the U.S. for proper education.
 According to Lynch, “The investigation of trauma before surgical intervention or other
life- saving measures is essential to preserve the image and description of injury before it
is lost through a sea of wound cleansing antiseptic, insertion of instrumentsor suturing.”
 From there began an explanation of the nurse's role in not just forensic medicine but also
the criminal justice system when dealing with a victim of violence.
 In the 1980s articles were being written about how the important evidence needed to
build a legal case was not being preserved during the treatment of a victim.
Development of forensic nursing in India
Introduction, awareness and reinforcement
 In 2002, forensic Nursing was introduced in Govt. College of Patiala.
 Ms. Virginia A Lynch was Chief Guest.
  Articles and Journal papers were published on forensic nursing
Broadening base and Courses
 Established the subjects in other local colleges. Dayanand Nursing Collage, Ludhiana.
Guru Har Sahi Nursing College Raikot. G Ramdas Nursing college Hoshiyarpur. Govt.
Nursing college Amritsar
 2015 one year diploma in forensic nursing was started by dept of HFW and INC
Workshop and Courses
 Rape victim examination workshop.
 Crime scene investigation workshop.
 In 2007 Forensic Nursing introduced in Gian Sagar College.
 First Forensic Nurse of India is Ms. Nisha Bharti.
 Launched Indo Pacific academy of Forensic Nursing Science in 2009.
 2020 – Forensic nursing was included in nursing syllabus and Msc in Forensic Nursing
was included
Scope of forensic nursing
A Forensic nurse is a specialized nurse trained in providing care for patients who are victims
and/or perpetrators in medico-legal cases. Forensic nurses play an important role in bridging the
gap between the law and medicine.
Setting of practice
Forensic nurses can work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, emergency dept,
clinics, correctional health centers and medical examiners
Scope and Significance of forensic Nursing
1. Forensic nurses are practicing in hospitals and out in the community, making a difference in
people’s lives.
2. They identify issues that will have a legal impact on society.
3. They document injuries and pull communities together to address issues such as domestic
violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
4. They work with grieving family members when death comes unexpectedly.
5. They care for inmates and those in the psychiatric facilities who are unable to understand the
consequences of their actions.
6. Forensic nurses contribute to disaster planning and response.
7. They are also entrepreneurs and consult on legal cases, assisting attorneys to understand the
intricate medical terminology and how care is provided to the community.
8. Anywhere there is an injury or potential for injury, there is a role for the forensic nurse.
Educational Requirement
 The Indian Nursing Council (INC) has included Forensic Nursing as a subject in the
revised syllabus of the B.Sc. Nursing Programme in the V semester.
 INC started the PG programme in forensic nursing specialty
 Online forensic nursing education programme
 In the USA SANE and doctorate PROGRAMME in forensic nursing
Areas of practice and sub specialties
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE): -A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a
Registered Nurse who has received special training so that s/he can provide comprehensive care
to sexual assault victims. In addition s/he is able to conduct a forensic exam and may provide
expert testimony if a case goes to trial.Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners provide crucial care and
forensic examinations to victims of sexual assault. Their responsibilities extend beyond medical
treatment to include forensic evidence collection, which is vital for legal proceedings. SANEs
conduct detailed interviews and physical examinations, ensuring the collection of forensic
evidence while maintaining the dignity and privacy of the victim. They also play a significant
role in providing testimony in court, where their expert insights contribute to the judicial process.
Clinical Forensic Nurse Specialist
Patient Care
Forensic nurse specialist provides comprehensive care to individuals who have experienced
trauma or violence. They blend holistic nursing care focusing on the body, mind, and spirit with
expertise in legal and forensic disciplines. This dual focus ensures that both the medical and
evidentiary needs of patients are met. Forensic nurses treat a wide range of traumas, including
those from sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes. Their approach is
invariably trauma-informed, ensuring that patients feel safe and supported throughout their care.
Evidence Collection
A critical aspect of the forensic nurse’s role is the collection and preservation of evidence. This
process is meticulous and governed by strict protocols to ensure that the evidence can be used in
legal proceedings. Forensic nurses are trained in the proper techniques for documenting injuries,
collecting biological samples, and maintaining the chain of custody for all collected evidence.
Their detailed attention to the process ensures that the evidence gathered can withstand rigorous
scrutiny in court.
Providing Care to Victims and Perpetrators
Forensic nursing specialists play a crucial role in caring for both victims and perpetrators of
crimes. They offer medical attention, emotional support, and ensure that patients receive the
necessary follow-up care. Their work is essential in bridging the gap between healthcare and the
legal system.
Evidence Collection and Documentation
One of the key responsibilities of a forensic nursing specialist is to collect and document
evidence. This includes taking photographs, collecting samples, and meticulously recording
observations. Accurate documentation is vital for legal proceedings and can make a significant
difference in the outcome of a case.
Collaboration with Legal Authorities
Forensic nursing specialists often work closely with law enforcement and legal professionals.
They may be called upon to testify in court, provide expert opinions, and assist in investigations.
Their collaboration ensures that the medical and legal aspects of a case are thoroughly addressed,
contributing to the pursuit of justice.
Forensic nurse death investigator (FNDI)
A forensic nurse death investigator (FNDI) is a registered nurse who has specialized training and
clinical preparation to conduct death investigations. Their responsibilities include:
 Gathering evidence from the body and surrounding area
 Identifying which evidence is relevant as the investigation continues
 Informing the deceased's next of kin
As a nurse death investigator (NDI), forensic nurses have the legal authority to pronounce and
confirm a death, establish the identity of the decedent, and notify next of kin. In a death
investigation, NDIs collect medical and social histories, examine the descendant's body and
investigate the scene of the death.
Nurse Coroner
Nurse Coroners, also known as nurse death investigators, work closely with medical examiners
and coroners to determine the causes of death. Their role is integral in settings such as coroner
offices, forensic units, and law enforcement agencies. These professionals are skilled in
conducting external examinations, collecting biological samples, and documenting findings
crucial for legal and investigative purposes. Their work often uncovers critical information that
can impact public health policies and criminal justice proceedings.
Forensic Correctional Nurse
 Forensic correctional Nurse specializes in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of person
who have been sentenced to Prisons/ Jails.
 Goal is to maintain a safe, secure and human environment for the inmates.
Forensic Psychiatric Nurses
Forensic Psychiatric Nurses specialize in the care of individuals who are involved with the legal
system, particularly those who may have mental health issues. They evaluate and treat both
victims and offenders, providing essential mental health services and support. These nurses work
in diverse environments, including correctional facilities, psychiatric institutions, and behavioral
health centers. The role requires a high level of expertise in mental health and an ability to
remain unbiased and supportive in challenging situations.
Legal Nurse Consultant and Nurse Attorney
Legal nurse consultants (LNC) work with attorneys and law firms on medical cases. Using a
combination of medical and legal knowledge, LNCs are the individuals responsible for providing
much-needed health care guidance to legal professionals representing both patients and health
care workers.
Registered nurses looking to expand their skill sets and expertise might consider becoming an
LNC. Read on to learn more about what LNCs do, where they work, what they make, and how to
become one.
An LNC is a registered nurse (RN) who provides medical consultations on legal cases. Rather
than offering guidance to patients, LNCs review and analyze legal information to advice attorneys
working on health care and nursing malpractice cases.
Humanitarian Forensic Nurse
Humanitarian forensic action is the application of the knowledge and skills of forensic medicine
and science to humanitarian action, especially following conflicts or disasters.
Humanitarian forensics is the application of forensic science for humanitarian purposes, such as
identifying and treating the deceased, finding missing people, and addressing other humanitarian
concerns. A forensic nurse is a medical professional who provides care and acts as a consultant
to law enforcement and other medical professionals. They are trained in collecting and
preserving evidence, legal proceedings, and treatment protocols.
Forensic Pediatric Nurse Examiner
A forensic pediatric nurse examiner is a nurse who specializes in providing healthcare to victims
of abuse, trauma, or violence, while also collecting evidence and assisting in legal
proceedings. The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) offers a certification for
forensic pediatric nurse examiners called the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Pediatric (SANE-
P).
A pediatric forensic nurse helps children who are victims of abuse. They often work with young
victims of sexual abuse, but it can involve other crimes against children as well. This can mean
abduction, witnessing domestic violence, or suffering neglect.
Forensic Nurse Hospitalist (FNH)
  The “Forensic Nurse Hospitalist” is proposed as a new term to describe the role of the
nurse who is qualified by licensure and education as a specialist in forensic nursing and
practices specifically in the hospital setting.
 The forensic nurse hospitalist can provide comprehensive, medico legal care to patients
receiving treatment for trauma-related injury and questionable death in the acute care
setting.
 Forensic nurse hospitalists to deliver expert patient care, offer specialized consultation
and collaboration, and implement system wide policy and educational initiatives to best
meet the needs of patients who have experienced intentional or unintentional trauma.
Ethical Issues
The major ethical issues of nursing practice are:
Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to retain control over his body. Healthcare providers
must honor patients’ rights to determine what is best for them, even if the decision is different
from the provider’s opinions or perspectives.
Beneficence
Nurses should act in the best interests of their patients, regardless of their own personal
opinions. Providers should work to promote the well- being of their patients. For example,
nurses might help patients with tasks they can't do on their own, or provide comfort to a dying
patient.
Nonmaleficence
Nonmaleficence means to do no harm. Nurses have a critical responsibility to prevent further
harm from coming to all their patients. Each nurse must take action to prevent harm.
Nonmaleficence in nursing is essential to safe, effective patient care that is delivered to the best
of a nurse’s ability. Nurses should provide safe, effective, and high-quality care, and avoid or
minimize harm to patients. The providers are obligated to do no harm, including by providing
ineffective treatments.
Justice
Nurses should treat all patients fairly, regardless of their age, ethnicity, economic status,
religion, or sexual orientation. For example, nurses should be impartial when assigning clinical
care or prioritizing patients. Providers must deliver fair and equitable treatment and resources to
all patients. Injustice in this realm includes denying patients a fair distribution of resources.
Accountability
Nurses are responsible for their actions. Accountability is chief among the ethical principles in
nursing. Each nurse must be responsible for his or her own choices and actions in the course of
patient care. Nurses who hold themselves accountable often provide higher-quality patient care.
They are more likely to build stronger relationships with patients, thanks to increased trust.
Accountable nurses adhere to their scope of practice and, in many cases, are greatly appreciated
by their colleagues and patients.
6. Fidelity
People want to know they can count on nurses, no matter what. The fidelity ethical principle can
best be described by keeping your word to patients. Nurses should be honest and loyal to each
patient, as this helps the nurse gain trust and fulfill their professional commitment. Without
fidelity, more trusting relationships cannot be formed, which leads to less positive patient
outcomes and less trust in professional relationships. Fidelity directs forensic nurses to deliver
care with loyalty, honesty and altruism. By being faithful to promises, forensic RNs provide
quality care.
7. Veracity
Working in healthcare is challenging for many reasons, and in some cases, nurses must
communicate unpleasant information to a patient. Veracity in nursing is the ethical principle of
being completely open and honest with patients, even if the truth causes distress. While being
completely truthful can be daunting, especially in certain patient care circumstances, veracity in
nursing is important for establishing trust and strengthening the nurse-patient relationship.
Veracity also helps patients become more autonomous, making decisions for their care based on
all relevant, factual information.
Code of ethics for forensic nurses
When faced with ethical choices, forensic nurses should use recognized ethical frameworks for
decision making. The guiding principles of ethical decision making are autonomy, justice,
beneficence, and nonmaleficence. Forensic nurses should consult and collaborate with
appropriate ethical resources.
Fidelity to Patients and Clients
Forensic nurses serve patients and clients faithfully and incorruptibly. Forensic nurses respect
confidentiality and advice patients and clients about the limits of confidentiality as determined
by their practice setting.
Responsibility to the Public
Forensic nurses have a professional responsibility to serve the public welfare. Forensic nurses
should be actively concerned with the health and welfare of the global community. Forensic
nurses should recognize their role in preventing violence, which includes understanding the
societal factors, such as oppression that promote violence. Forensic nurses acknowledge the
value and dignity of all human beings and strive to create a world where violence is not accepted.
Obligation to Science
Forensic nurses should seek to advance nursing and forensic science, understand the limits of
their knowledge, and respect the truth. Forensic nurses should ensure that their research and
scientific contributions are thorough, accurate and unbiased in design and presentation. Forensic
nurses should incorporate evidence based knowledge in practice decisions.
Conflicts of interest should be disclosed. Scientific misconduct, such as fabrication, falsification,
slander, libel, and plagiarism are incompatible with this Vision of Ethical Practice. Public
comments regarding scientific matters should be made with care and precision, devoid of
unsubstantiated claims, exaggeration, and/or premature conclusions.
Dedication to Colleagues
Forensic nurses perform work honestly and competently, fulfill obligations, and safeguard
proprietary information. Forensic nurses should regard the tutelage of students as a trust
conferred by society for the promotion of the student’s learning and professional development.
Forensic nurses should treat colleagues with respect, share ideas honestly, and give credit for
their contributions.
Forensic Nursing Skills
Beyond clinical and forensic knowledge, a competent forensic nurse should possess various soft
skills. Some essential attributes include:
 Interpersonal skills – empathy, sensitivity, and establishing trust with patients and their
families.
  Communication skills – clear and concise documentation of medical findings and the
ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement
and legal professionals.
 Attention to detail – precise documentation of evidence and thorough patient assessments
are crucial in both patient care and subsequent legal proceedings.
 Problem-solving skills – the ability to think critically and make quick decisions under
pressure during time-sensitive situations.
 Cultural Competence – understanding and appreciating cultural differences to provide
appropriate care to diverse patient populations.
In conclusion, forensic nursing is a dynamic and rewarding field that encompasses both
healthcare and justice, requiring a unique blend of clinical nursing expertise and forensic
knowledge. Aspiring forensic nurses should be prepared to meet the educational, certification,
and skill requirements needed to excel in this challenging and fulfilling profession.
Professional Secrecy
Doctor is obliged to keep as secrets all that he comes to know about his patient during treatment.
Implied term of contract
 Doctor should not discuss any point with others except with the consent of the patient
 If the doctor examines a domestic servant at the request of the master who is paying the
fees still he should not disclose even to the master without the consent of the servant.
 In case of husband and wife the facts relating to the nature of illness of one should not be
disclosed to the other without the consent.
 If the patient is a major a doctor should not disclose anything about his illness even to his
parents without getting the consent.
 Doctors in government service are bound by code of professional secrecy even if they are
treating the patients free of cost.
 The criminals in police custody has right not to allow the treating doctor to disclose about
the nature of illness to any person. However once the person is convicted he has lost this
right and the doctor can disclose to the proper authorities.
 While reporting about any case in a medical journal care should be taken not to disclose
the identity of the person.
 When somebody submits for medical examination while taking the life insurance the
doctor can disclose the result to the proper authorities because of implied consent.
 A doctor should not disclose any information about the illness of his patient without
consent whenever requested by a statutory body except notifiable diseases.
 The examination of the dead body at times may reveal certain facts that affect the
reputation of the deceased as well as the family members so the doctor should not
disclose the fact to others.
Privileged Communication
Doctor can reveal certain information about a patient to protect the interest of public or state.
Better to get the consent of the patient. Bonafide statement of a registered medical person on a
subject matter of public interest to the concerned authority to protect the interest of the
community
Conditions of privileged communication
1. Infectious diseases
2. Venereal diseases
3. Employers & employees
 4. Notifiable diseases
5. Suspected crime
6. Patient’s own interest
7. In courts of law
Exceptions to professional secrecy / privileged communication
 Infectious diseases
 Notifiable diseases
 Suspected crimes
 Servants and Employees
 Sexually transmitted diseases
 In patient’s interest
 Court of Law
 Negligent suits
 Self interest
Professional misconduct
Conduct considered as disgraceful or dishonorable by professional breatheren of good repute and
competency
 Issue of false medical certificates
 Covering up unqualified persons
 Helping quacks
 Canvassing
 To personally open chemist shop
 To prescribe habit forming drugs
 Disclosing professional secrets of patients
 Failure to notify
 Treating patients under the influence of drink or drugs
 Fee splitting/dichotomy
Roles and Responsibilities of Forensic Nurse
• The safety of the living victim and the deceased victim’s body remains the first priority.
• Collecting and preserving evidence from the victim should never compromise the safety
or integrity of the body.
• The forensic nurse performs a forensic examination.
– The purpose is to identify and collect evidence that has transferred from the
perpetrator to the victim.
– Law enforcement personnel may collect evidence from the crime scene;
however, forensic nurses and other health care providers collect evidence from the victim.
• Evidence must be collected in an organized and comprehensive manner.
– Without bias and without inducing any physical or psychological harm to the
victim.
– Without bias and without producing any physical injury or damage to the
deceased victim.
– Examination and evidence identification and collection require a careful search
of the entire body.
– Meticulous documentation requires identification of all evidence, preservation
method, and retention (chain of custody).
• The forensic nurse must develop interviewing techniques.
 – To interview the victim
– To interview the suspected perpetrator
– To interview the convicted perpetrator
– To interview family, friends, and all those who may add to the investigation
• Evidence includes the following:
– All clothing
– All jewelry
– Any items in pockets
– Any items removed from the body
• Dirt (physical evidence).
• Saliva (biological evidence).
• Paint chips (physical evidence).
• Semen (biological evidence).
• Insects (biological evidence).
• Plant material (biological evidence.)
• Dried or fresh blood (biological evidence.)
• Fabric (physical material).
• Additional physical and biological material.
• Preservation of evidence is dependent on the type of material, whether physical or
biological.
Additional Roles of the Forensic Nurse:
1. May assist in the development of evidence-based policies and procedures related to evidence
identification, collection, and preservation and photographic documentation.
2. Is able to develop and implement orientation and continuing education programs for the staff
related to forensic nursing and forensic science techniques.
3. May also act as a consultant with risk management administration.
4. May review medical records as a consultant for the facility legal counsel.
5. In a school setting is able to identify children at risk for abuse or neglect.
6. In law enforcement setting is able to provide direct evaluation and care for the victims of
violence and at the same time is able to collect evidence and provide referrals.
7. In the home care setting is able to assess the living conditions for safety; assess the patient for
evidence of exploitation, abuse, or neglect; provides referral for community service agency
assistance.
8. Professional Nurse Education + Forensic Science Education + Forensic Nursing Education =
A professional nurse trained to provide care and treatment to the victims, both the living and the
dead, of violent crime or traumatic events.
INDIAN NURSING COUNCIL (INC)
The Indian Nursing Council is an Autonomous Body under the Government of India, Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare was constituted by the Central Government under section 3(1) of the
Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947 of parliament to establish a uniform standard of training for
nurses, Midwives, and health visitors. Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947. Act No. of Year: ACT
NO. 48 OF 1947 Enactment Date: 31st December, 1947.
Objective
 An Act to constitute an Indian Nursing Council.
 To establish a uniform standard of training for nurses, midwives and health visitors.
  It is enacted with 17 sections & each section points out the specific legislative role of
Council.
Section- 1. Short title, extent, and commencement
a) This Act may be called the Indian Nursing Council Act, of 1947.
b) It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
c) It shall come into force at once.
Section-2. Interpretation
(a) “The Council” means the [Council] constituted under this Act.
b) " Prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made under section 16." State Council" means
a Council (by whatever name called) constituted under the law of a State to regulate the
registration of nurses, midwives, or health visitors in the State.
c) "State register" means a register of nurses, midwives or health visitors maintained under the
law of a State.
Section – 3. Constitution and composition of the Council
1. The Central Government shall as soon as may be constitute a Council consisting of the
following members, namely:-
(a) One registered nurse elected by each State Council.
(b) Two members elected from heads of institutions recognized by the Council.
(c) One member elected by the heads of institutions in which health visitors are trained.
(d) One member elected by the Medical Council of India.
(e) One member elected by the Central Council of the Indian Medical Association.
(f) One member elected by the Council of the Trained Nurses Association of India.
(g) one auxiliary nurse-midwife enrolled in a State register, elected by each of the State
Councils in the four groups of States mentioned below, each group taken in rotation in the
following order, namely: - (i) Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, (ii) Andhra
Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, (iii) Karnataka, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and West
Bengal, (iv) Assam, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Orissa
(h) The Director General of Health Services
(i)The Chief Principal Matron, Medical Directorate, General Headquarters
(j) The Chief Nursing Superintendent, office of the Director- General of Health Services
(k) The Director of Maternity and Child Welfare, Indian Red Cross Society
(l) The Chief Administrative Medical Officer (by whatever name called) of each State other
than a Union territory.
(m) The Superintendent of Nursing Services (by whatever name called), from each of the
States in the two groups mentioned below, namely:- I. (Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra,
Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Haryana) II. (Bihar, Gujarat,
Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Orissa, Punjab and Rajasthan)
(n) Four members nominated by the Central Government, of whom at least two shall be
nurses enrolled in a State register and one shall be an experienced educationalist.
(2) Three members elected by Parliament, two by the House of the People and the other by the
Council of States from among its members.
(3) The President of the Council shall be elected by the members of the Council for five years,
who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Central Government.
(4) No act done by the Council shall be questioned on the ground merely of the existence of any
defect in the constitution of, the Council.
Incorporation of the Council
Constituted under section 3 shall be a body corporate by the name of the Indian Nursing Council
having a common seal.
Mode of elections
(1) Elections under sub-section of section 3 by State Councils shall be conducted by rules made
by the respective State Governments, and where any dispute arises regarding any such election it
shall be referred to the State Government concerned whose decision shall be final.
(2) Other elections under that sub-section shall be conducted in the prescribed manner, and
where any dispute arises regarding any such election it shall be referred to the Central
Government whose decision shall be final.
Term of office and casual vacancies
(1) An elected or nominated President shall hold office for a term of five years.
(2) A member may at any time resign his membership by writing under his hand addressed to the
President.
(3) Any member shall be deemed to have vacated his seat if he is absent without excuse
sufficient to the Council from three consecutive meetings of the Council.
(4) A casual vacancy in the Council shall be filled by fresh election or nomination.
(5) Members of the Council shall be eligible for re-election.
Officers, Committees and servants of the Council
(1) The Secretary of the Council shall, for three years, be a person appointed by the Central
Government
(2) The Council shall- (a) Elect from among its members a Vice-President; (b) Constitute from
among its members an Executive Committee and such other Committees to carry out the
purposes of this Act; (c) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), appoint a Secretary, who
may also act as Treasurer; (d) Appoint or nominate such other officers and servants as the
Council deems necessary. (e) Require and take security from the Secretary or from any other
officer or servant; (f) with the previous sanction of the Central Government, fix the fees and
allowances to be paid to the President. Vice President and other members of the Council
The Executive Committee
(1) The Executive Committee shall consist of nine members, of whom seven shall be elected by
the Council from among its members.
(2)The President and Vice-President of the Council shall remain President and Vice-President,
respectively, of the Committee.
(3)The Executive Committee shall exercise and discharge powers and duties as the Council may
impose if necessary.
Recognition of qualifications
(1) The qualifications included in Part I of the Schedule shall be recognized qualifications, and in
Part II of the Schedule shall be recognized higher qualifications.
(2)The qualification only when granted after a specified date by the respective state council shall
be a recognized qualification.
(3)The Council may enter into negotiations with any authority to which this Act does not extend
in India or foreign country.
Effect of recognition
(a) Any recognized qualification shall be a sufficient qualification for enrolment in any State
register.
(b) No person enrolled in any state register unless he/she holds a recognized qualification.
(c) Any person holding a recognized higher qualification can entered as a supplementary
qualification in any state register.
Power to require information as to courses of study and training and examinations
Every authority in any State that grants a recognized qualification shall furnish such information
to the Council from time to time, & the Council issues courses of study and training, and
examinations to be undergone to obtain such qualification, as per the Council standard.
Inspections
(1) The executive Committee may appoint number of inspectors.
(2) Inspectors appointed under this section shall report to the Executive Committee.
(3) The Executive Committee shall forward a copy of such report to the authority or institution
concerned, and also forward copies, to the Central Government, the State Government and State
Council of the State in which the authority or institution is situated.
Withdrawal of recognition
(1) When, upon a report by the Executive Committee, it appears to the Council- (a) Any
institution fall short of standard by the council. (b)Any institution fall short of standard by a State
Council may send information to the INC & an intimation send for the period within which the
institution or authority have to submit its explanation to the state Government.
(2) On the receipt of the explanation or, where no explanation is submitted within the period
fixed, the State Government shall make its recommendations to the Council.
(3) The Council, after such further inquiry, may be able to withdraw the recognition.
Mode of declarations
All declarations under section 10 or section or 14.15 (A) shall be published in the Official
Gazette.
15 (A). Indian Nurses Register
(1) The Council shall cause to be maintained Indian Nurses Register in the prescribed manner.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Council to keep the Indian Nurses Register.
(3) Such register shall be deemed to be a public document within the meaning of the Indian
Evidence Act, 1872.
15 (B). Supply of copies of State registers
Each State Council shall supply to the Council twenty printed copies of the State register as soon
as may be after the 1st day of April of each year.
Power to make regulations.
The Council may make regulations not inconsistent with this Act, such regulations may provide
for
(a) Property of the council.
(b) Elections
(c) The meetings
(d) Prescribing the functions of the Executive Committee.
(e) Prescribing the powers and duties of the President and the Vice-President;
(f) Prescribing the tenure of office and the powers and duties of the Secretary and other officers.
(g) Prescribing the standard curricula.
(h) Prescribing the conditions for admission to courses of training.
Functions
 Recognizes nurses as a separate branch in health service
 Regulates nursing training & sets uniform standard of training for nurses throughout the
country. Construct syllabus for all nursing programs
  To regulate nursing practice.
 Permits title, badges, uniforms for registered nurses.
 Inspection of school & colleges of nursing
 Power to make regulations.
 Withdrawal of recognition of nursing institutions
 Maintenance of Indian nurse registers
Educational role & responsibility
 INC initiates, prescribes, guide & supervise the different levels of nursing education.
 It laid down the qualification for the admission, registration & employment.
 It recognizes & approves various institutions for conducting different nursing educational
programs.
 INC sets educational activities in different occasions like Nurses Day, Breast feeding
week, AIDS Day etc. It regulate the course duration.
 Prescribe the syllabus for all levels of nursing education.
SNC (State Nursing Council)
 The State Nurses and Midwives Council were established in 1948 under the provisions of
Nurses and Midwives Act with the purpose of “Better training of nurses, midwives &
health visitors”.
 It works as an autonomous body under the Government of respective states, Department
of Health and Family Welfare.
Structure
Each state determines the specific administrative responsibility and oversight of the council of
nursing.
 The governor of the state
 The state health Directorate
 Nursing Directorate
 Another state official or organization
The silent features
 Provision of an autonomous body, comprising majority of nurses, endowed with decision
making powers.
 Compulsory registration for all nurses, midwives practicing within the state.
 Provision of nurses, midwives, & public health nurses to elect their own representatives
to the respective state.
 Powers to regulate nursing education prescribe curriculum & enunciate examination
policies.
 Provision to have a nurse registrar to carry out the functions of the SNC.
 Provision for recognition of educational institutions of nursing & withdrawal of such
recognition, if necessary.