The Department of Health and Social Care has opened a call for evidence on use of the professional title nurse. The exercise closes on 8 October 2026.

Registered nurse, midwife, specialist community public health nurse and nursing associate in England are already protected titles. The call asks for evidence on protecting nurse more widely and on possible exemptions.

The department says it expects to consult on legislation in 2027. Any change to the law would need parliamentary approval, so the current exercise is not itself a change in legal protection.

The practical question is how clearer title protection might help the public understand who is regulated while allowing legitimate uses that would need to be set out through the policy process.