This joint publication between the WHO Regional Offices for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) and for Europe (EURO) aims to strengthen nursing regulation in the two regions and to develop a system to ensure the regulation of nursing practice and education. The purpose is to provide the countries with guidelines that provide direction on the process and content required for institutionalizing a comprehensive regulatory system for nursing and midwifery in Member States to ensure the highest possible standard of nursing practice and to protect the health and safety of the public. It will serve as a useful resource for policy-makers and managers in the health system, professional regulatory authorities, nurses and midwives, as well as other health professionals in their efforts to protect the health of the public and improve the quality of nursing and midwifery services. It offers knowledge and information, based on a range of sources and experience, on the processes of creating legislation and establishing effective regulatory systems.