This Order amends the Nursing and Midwifery Council (Fitness to Practise) Rules 2004 (S.I. 2004/1761) (“the Fitness to Practise Rules”), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (Education, Registration and Registration Appeals) Rules 2004 (S.I. 2004/1767) (“the Registration Rules”) and Nursing and Midwifery Council (Practice Committees) (Constitution) Rules 2008 (SI 2008/3148) (“the Practice Committee Constitution Rules”), for the length of an emergency notified under article 9A of the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 (S.I. 2002/253).

Part 2 of the Schedule amends the Fitness to Practise Rules. Paragraph 3—

• — provides that hearings and meetings may be held via, and that the word “venue” may mean use of, audio or video conference facilities;

• — amends the provisions for public and private hearings, to include provision that the requirement to hold hearings in public does not apply to hearings which are held via audio or video conference;

• — amends the provisions for the service of documents to allow for electronic service to the registrant's nominated e-mail address.

Part 3 of the Schedule amends the Registration Rules. Paragraph 4—

• — provides that hearings may be held via, and that the word “venue” may mean use of, audio or video conference facilities;

• — amends the provisions for registrations during the period of the emergency, to allow the Registrar to give an appropriate extension of time for a registrant to renew their registration;

• — amends the provisions relating to service of documents in relation to registration appeals, to allow for notices and documents to be sent and received by electronic mail;

• — adds a provision to hearing provisions so that, where a hearing is to be held by audio or video conference, there is no obligation to hold it in public.

Part 4 of the Schedule amends the Practice Committee Constitution Rules. Paragraph 5 amends the provisions relating to the constitution of the Practice Committee to allow—

• — the Nursing and Midwifery Council to extend the second term of office of a member of a Practice Committee for as long they consider appropriate, and

• — for fewer panel members to be present for the committee to be quorate.