(1)The National Boards shall in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively—
(a)approve institutions in relation to the provision of—
(i)courses of training with a view to enabling persons to qualify for registration as nurses, midwives or health visitors or for the recording of additional qualifications in the register; and
(ii)courses of further training for those already registered;
(b)ensure that such courses meet the requirements of the Central Council as to their kind, content and standard;
(c)hold, or arrange for others to hold, such examinations as are necessary to enable persons to satisfy requirements for registration or to obtain additional qualifications;
(d)collaborate with the Council in the promotion of improved training methods; and
(e)perform such other functions relating to nurses, midwives or health visitors as the Secretary of State may by order prescribe.
(2)The National Boards shall discharge their functions subject to and in accordance with any applicable rules of the Council and shall take account of any difference in the considerations applying to the different professions.