Nurses will be required to have good English thanks to a new law likely to pass through the House of Assembly today.

Many patients have been unable to understand what their nurses have been saying, because of their strong foreign accents, according to Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson.

The new requirement is part of the Nursing Amendment Act, which states: "An applicant whose professional qualifications were obtained outside Bermuda, and whose first language is not English, must satisfy the council that he/she has sufficient knowledge of the English language to be able to function as a nurse or nursing associate in Bermuda."

The bill, to be presented by Health Minister Walter Roban today, modernises legislation relating to nurses. It means drugs can only be prescribed by advanced practice nurses who have been authorised by a registered medical practitioner.

It also introduces a complaints committee, independent to the Nursing Council.

Mrs. Jackson described the legislation as necessary and straightforward, and indicated it will get the support of the United Bermuda Party.

Other items up for debate today include the Marine Board Amendment Act, and Maritime Security (Harbour Areas) (Restricted Zones) Order, which will be given a second reading by Premier and Transport Minister Ewart Brown.

This legislation outlines a series of harbour areas people will not be allowed to enter while a cruise ship is docked. It's thought to make it more difficult for drugs or other illegal packages to be collected from ships.

Restrictions will apply in sections of ship terminals at Ordnance Island and Penno's Wharf in St. George's and No. 1 and No. 5/6 terminals in Hamilton.

There's also a chance Government will press forward with the Labour Relations Amendment Act, a housekeeping bill relating to the set-up of the Department of Labour and Training.