Tribunal confirms National Board decision to refuse registration

20 Apr 2015

The Northern Territory Health Professional Review Tribunal has confirmed a decision by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to refuse Mr Linse Thomas’ application for registration as an internationally qualified nurse.

The Board refused Mr Thomas’ application, made in early 2013, because he did not meet the Board’s requirements for the qualifications of internationally qualified nurses.

Mr Thomas held a diploma-level equivalent nursing qualification from India and had worked in the UK as a¬ registered nurse.  His qualification was not an approved qualification nor was it considered to be substantially equivalent, or based on similar competencies, to an approved qualification.

The tribunal confirmed the Board’s decision, noting that Mr Thomas’ nursing experience in the UK could not be considered as a substitute for the required qualification.

The Board’s requirements for registration of internationally qualified nurses changed on 10 February 2014. The Board requires that qualifications are the equivalent of a bachelor degree, at Level 7 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. Qualifications that do not meet this level, such as the diploma held by Mr Thomas, can no longer be supplemented by work experience to meet the requirements for registration.

The reasons for the decision are on the AustLII website.

For more information

• Visit the AHPRA website
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 03 9275 9009 (overseas callers)
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200 

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