Skip to main content

Ahpra, the NMBA and the National Law

Last checked 5 October 2026

General information only, not legal or regulatory advice; check the official NMBA page before applying.

The National Law​

Health practitioner regulation in Australia is governed by the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (the National Law). It is a nationally consistent law that each state and territory parliament has made law.

The NMBA's Safety and quality guidelines for nurse practitioners refer to these sections of the National Law:

  • Section 129(1): a registered health practitioner must not practise their profession unless appropriate professional indemnity insurance arrangements are in force.
  • Section 140: health practitioners, employers and education providers must report notifiable conduct to Ahpra.
  • Sections 156(1) and 157: the NMBA's responsibilities for conduct, performance and health matters, including the power to take immediate action.

Ahpra​

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) works in partnership with 15 National Boards to run the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme). The National Scheme regulates 16 health professions. Ahpra says every decision it makes is guided by the National Law.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)​

The functions of the NMBA include:

  • registering nurses, midwives and students
  • developing standards, codes and guidelines for the profession
  • handling notifications, complaints, investigations and disciplinary hearings
  • assessing overseas-trained practitioners who wish to practise in Australia
  • approving accreditation standards and accredited courses of study.

The NMBA has state and territory boards. They make decisions about registration, endorsement and notation, and about compliance, including audits of registration standards.

How EndorseMe helps​

  • EndorseMe keeps your evidence organised around the NMBA requirements: practice hours, CPD, your CV and your portfolio records.
  • If you are chosen for an audit, having your records in one place makes it easier to find what you need. EndorseMe does not take part in audits and does not speak for Ahpra or the NMBA.

Official sources​