We know that you have questions about what impact the novel coronavirus may have on your role as a regulated practitioner and your clinical decision-making as COVID-19 spreads in the communities where you practise. We recognize that in these challenging circumstances you may not be able to meet all College standards and that there may be a need for you to adjust your practice to be able to provide appropriate care to your clients and their newborns.
As you know, the College’s Professional Standards for Midwives is designed to be flexible and provides a framework for decision-making in a wide range of situations. You should exercise your professional judgment, in every situation, to provide care that is in your clients’ best interest within the limits of the midwifery scope of practice and your competence in line with the current guidance available from Public Health, the Ministry of Health, and the hospitals.
We encourage you to work collaboratively with your peers and other health care practitioners to implement enhanced infection prevention and control measures to protect yourself and your clients from infection risks. It is essential that everyone follows provincial public health directions and guidance.
If you cannot meet a standard of the profession, ensure that your clients receive best care possible in the current circumstances and document your rationale for the decision you made. You are accountable and responsible for clients in your care and your professional decisions and actions must be justifiable at all times. If you have any questions about meeting the Professional Standards or other College requirements, please contact the College at practiceadvice@cmo.on.ca.
We are aware that there could be reduced access to Emergency Skills, CPR and NRP certifications during the pandemic as well as an increase in class change requests from Inactive to General. We are closely monitoring the situation and will address any issues as needed.
As announced earlier, the College is currently operating as a virtual office in an effort to minimize College staff exposure to COVID-19 to both protect our team and reduce possible associated service disruptions. College staff continue to be available via email and telephone as usual during this time.
Contact Details
For inquiries relating to professional practice advice: practiceadvice@cmo.on.ca or 416.640.2252 ext. 230.
For registration inquiries, including initial registration, the status of your application, renewal, class change, NRP, CPR, ESW, public register and letters of professional conduct and in good standing: regadmin@cmo.on.ca or 416.640.2252 ext. 208.
For inquiries relating to complaints, reports, or unauthorized practice and general information about the complaints, discipline or ADR process: conduct@cmo.on.ca or 416.640.2252 ext. 224.
For inquiries relating to the quality assurance program: qap@cmo.on.ca or 416.640.2252 ext. 227.
For inquiries relating to accessibility and privacy: operations@cmo.on.ca or 416.640.2252 ext. 225.
All information from the College relating to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found here.