The NSW Government is considering removing the requirement for a registered nurse (RN) to be on duty in nursing homes.

But the state’s nurses’ union says the health of frail, elderly people will be put at risk.

An Upper House inquiry by the General Purpose Standing Committee No. 3 recently recommended the state retain the requirement for a registered nurse to be on duty 24/7.

NSW Premier Mike Baird has rejected the call, saying it should be up to Commonwealth regulation.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association general secretary Brett Holmes says these patients often have chronic and complex care needs that only RNs have the training to care for.

“This is an appalling situation that we are now faced [with],” Mr Holmes has told reporters.

“New South Wales had the opportunity to amend its legislation to make it relevant to our aged care facilities and to protect the most frail aged in New South Wales, and it appears it has simply washed its hands and is walking away.

“The removal of registered nurses will ultimately mean that more of those aged care residents who have an unexpected incident or a deterioration in their well-being will end up be transferred, sometimes unnecessarily, to our public health system emergency departments,” he said.

The union says it is not the only important call that has been ignored.

Mr Holmes said the government appeared uninterested in 16 recommendations made by the General Purpose Standing Committee No. 3, covering issues like minimum staff ratios and police checks for aged care workers.

He called on NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner to argue in favour of the recommended changes at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

“We believe she's got an obligation to look after the people of New South Wales when she's sitting at the table arguing for a better outcome in our aged care facilities and for a better outcome overall in New South Wales,” he said.