The faculty was set up as a standard setting body for public health professionals in response to a recommendation made by the Royal Commission on Medical Education.
A change of government and a change of secretary of state led to the white paper. This outlined significant structural and administrative reform of the health system.
The Act gave effect to the structural and administrative reform of the health system outlined in the 1972 white paper on National Health Service reorganisation.
The Act received royal assent on 4 April 1979, providing for the establishment of the Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC).
