Nursing Agency Licensing

The licensing and enforcement of nurses' agencies has passed from local authorities and is now under the responsibility of the National Care Standards Commission.

Any agency which supplies nurses to hospitals, old people's homes or other outlets can only do so if they are licensed. This applies to employment agencies or any organisation or individual operating in this area of work.

The licensing of nursing agencies was moved to the National Care Standards Commission from 1 April 2003. Since this time all existing nurses' agencies must have their registrations transferred to the National Care Standards Commission and new providers of these services are required to register with the National Care Standards Commission before they can begin their operations.

For further information please visit the National Care Standards Commission website.