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.

There are two levels of nurse recognised in legislation in New South Wales, namely registered nurses and enrolled nurses. Enrolled nurses are associates to registered nurses and work under the direction and supervision of registered nurses and where appropriate, registered midwives. The numbers of registered nurses, registered midwives and enrolled nurses may be found by referring to current statistical information.

The Nurses and Midwives Board meets monthly. A number of committees, panels and tribunals are convened to assist the Nurses and Midwives Board in carrying out its statutory functions. The Board may seek the views of the profession on a range of professional issues through these committees, as participation often includes representatives from a number of organisations.