EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Amendment to the A.C.T. Nurses’ Registration Ordinance

No. 1 of 1957

	As the Ordinance is worded at present, the Nurses’ Registration Board must accept for registration persons who hold the requisite qualifications and who are over 21 years of age, British subjects and of good character.

	It is considered to be essential that any nurse who present herself for registration should satisfy the Board that she is of sound health.  The amendment will enable the Board to reject applications for registration by nurses not of sound health.

	The opportunity is also being taken to increase the maximum size of the Board from five to seven.  This is to allow the Board to take advantage of the experience of well informed persons at its discretion.  It is further proposed that future appointments to the Board be made by the Minister instead of the Governor-General.