by MPs after it was sent back to the House of Assembly with amendments yesterday.

Senators returned the Nursing Act 1997 to the House after Minister of Community Affairs Sen. Yvette Swan introduced two amendments.

Under Parliamentary procedure, if amendements are introduced by the Senate, they have to be debated in the House before an Act can be passed.

The Act made it mandatory for nurses to join the Nursing Association, but the amendment allows for other associations, such as emergency room nurses associations, to be set up.

Sen. Walwyn Hughes (Ind) said: "I was not happy with the requirement that you had to join the only association. This is better but I wish it was not there at all.'' Senate Opposition Leader Milton Scott said: "The real issue is whether or not legislation should be enacted to make it mandatory for people to be part of the association.

"The amendment does not address that issue. It has given more options, but the mandatory element is still there. That is what concerns me.'' Senate passed that amendment as well as a second which just altered one word.