They include those activities which relate directly to the maintenance and promotion of professional standards of nursing and midwifery practice in New South Wales to protect public health and safety. For example, establishing and maintaining standards of education for nurses and midwives, entry of relevant particulars of qualified practitioners onto the Registers, or, in the case of enrolled nurses onto the Roll, and, in relation to professional conduct issues, disciplinary functions.

The Nurses and Midwives Board usually meets monthly. A number of committees are convened to assist the Nurses and Midwives Board in carrying out its statutory functions. 

Extensive information about the work undertaken by the Board is collated each year in the Board's annual reports.