An NMC interim order is a temporary restriction imposed by a panel while a case is ongoing. It is either an interim conditions of practice order or an interim suspension order. It is not a finding that the allegations are true. It can last up to 18 months, must be reviewed every six months, and only a court can extend it.
Key takeaways
- There are two types: interim conditions of practice and interim suspension.
- A panel can impose one only if it is necessary to protect the public, is otherwise in the public interest, or is in your own interests.
- Maximum 18 months; reviewed every six months; extensions need the High Court or Court of Session (up to 12 months at a time).
- It is not a finding of fact or guilt; the main case continues separately.
Most nurses, midwives and nursing associates who are referred to the NMC never have an interim order. But if the NMC thinks there may be a risk while your case is being investigated, it can ask a panel to impose one quickly. Because interim order hearings can be arranged at short notice, understanding them in advance takes away some of the shock.
What is an NMC interim order?
An interim order is a temporary order made by a panel of the NMC's Investigating or Fitness to Practise Committee while a case is still open. It either places conditions on your practice or suspends your registration. It protects the public, or the wider public interest, while the facts are still being established.
Crucially, an interim order panel does not decide whether the allegations are true. It looks at the risk the allegations suggest if they were to be proved, and whether restrictions are needed now.
What are the two types of interim order?
There are two: an interim conditions of practice order, which lets you keep working subject to specific requirements, and an interim suspension order, which stops you practising as a registered professional until it ends or is replaced. Panels must consider conditions before suspension.
- Interim conditions of practice order: for example, working under supervision, not being the nurse in charge, not administering medicines until assessed as competent, or telling any employer about the order.
- Interim suspension order: you remain on the register but cannot practise as a nurse, midwife or nursing associate while it is in force.
When can the NMC impose an interim order?
A panel can impose an interim order only if it is satisfied that the order is necessary to protect the public, is otherwise in the public interest, or is in your own interests. It must be proportionate: the least restrictive option that deals with the risk.
Interim order referrals often follow allegations involving potential patient harm, serious criminal charges, or health concerns where there is no current evidence of safe management. The panel usually has limited evidence at this stage, so it focuses on risk rather than fact-finding.
How long does an interim order last?
An interim order can be imposed for up to 18 months. If the case has not finished by then, the NMC must apply to the High Court (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or the Court of Session (in Scotland) to extend it, and the court can extend it for up to 12 months at a time.
How do interim order reviews work?
Interim orders are reviewed by a panel at least every six months. At a review, the panel can confirm the order, vary it (for example, relax conditions), replace suspension with conditions, or revoke it. You can also ask for an earlier review if something important changes, for example new evidence or completed training.
Reviews are your opportunity to show progress. Evidence that you have complied with conditions, completed relevant training and practised safely is the most persuasive thing you can bring.
How do I prepare for an interim order hearing?
Take advice immediately, attend if you possibly can, and bring evidence that addresses the risk. Your union, indemnity provider or a regulatory solicitor can often represent you at short notice. If you cannot get representation, you can still attend and speak for yourself; the panel and legal assessor will explain the process.
- Up-to-date references from a current manager who knows about the allegations.
- Evidence of relevant training completed since the incident.
- Suggested conditions you could realistically work under, if you are asking for conditions rather than suspension.
- For health concerns: evidence of treatment and support, shared as appropriate (health matters are usually heard in private).
An interim order is about managing risk while the case is decided. It is not the decision.
Do I have to tell my employer about an interim order?
Yes. The NMC Code requires you to tell any employers you work for if your practice has been restricted or conditions imposed. Interim conditions usually also include a specific requirement to inform current and future employers. Interim orders are published on the NMC register, although details about your health are not published.
For practical wording, see telling your employer about an NMC referral. If you are job hunting with conditions, read finding a nursing job with conditions of practice, and consider our CV writing service.
What happens to the interim order when the case ends?
An interim order ends when the case concludes, when it is revoked, or when it expires. If a final panel imposes a substantive sanction, it can also make a separate interim order to cover the appeal period, so that protection does not lapse before the final order takes effect.
Understand the whole journey with Navigating Your FtP Journey, and keep track of each stage with the stage-by-stage checklist.
Frequently asked questions
No. The panel does not decide the facts. It decides whether temporary restrictions are needed to manage risk while the case continues.
Yes, as long as you can comply with the conditions. You must tell employers about the order, and some roles, such as agency work, may be harder to arrange depending on the conditions.
At least every six months. You can ask for an earlier review if there is new information, such as completed training or changed circumstances.
Only by the High Court or, in Scotland, the Court of Session, which can extend it for up to 12 months at a time.
Yes, interim orders appear on the NMC register. Details relating to health are not published.
Sources and further reading
- NMC: Interim ordersnmc.org.uk
- NMC: Interim orders, their purpose and our powers to impose them (FtP library)nmc.org.uk
- NMC: Interim order reviews (FtP library)nmc.org.uk
- NMC: Interim orders – duration of orders and extensions (FtP library)nmc.org.uk
- NMC: Interim orders after a sanction is imposed (FtP library)nmc.org.uk
