What is the principal purpose of the NZMC?

The principal purpose of the New Zealand Midwifery Council (NZMC) is to set standards of clinical competence. This organization plays a crucial role in ensuring that midwives meet the necessary competencies to provide safe and effective care to mothers and infants. Setting standards involves establishing criteria for education, training, and ongoing professional development, which ultimately enhances the quality of midwifery care.

By defining these standards, the NZMC supports midwives in maintaining high levels of professionalism and accountability in their practice. This, in turn, protects the public by ensuring that those who enter the profession are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver high-quality care.

Other options, while related to the role of the NZMC, do not encompass its primary purpose as effectively. The organization does play a part in protecting public health and safety as well as governing the practice of midwives, but these roles are primarily outcomes of the standards it establishes. Similarly, while it serves the professional community of midwives, its main focus remains on the clinical competencies that safeguard the wellbeing of clients.