The inquiry will also recommend options for the proposed new structure after consultation.
The government's move to appoint a commission of inquiry comes after the nurses association met with the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, to discuss the controversial proposal.
The newly elected president of the nurses association, Solialofi Papalii, said the proposed management structure is unacceptable to current senior nurses.
She said nurses must be represented at the management level.