Note: This article was originally published in the Autumn/Winter 2023 edition of our On Call newsletter and has not been updated.
Do I have to meet one learning goal per year?
No. Midwives are required to create and meet three learning goals over the three-year reporting period which allows you to have short-term goals and long-term goals. Learning goals might be longer term if a workshop is being held on a date months or a year away, if you’re participating in a program with a set completion day, or simply if you think your learning would benefit from the extra time. You are able to decide whether your three goals are short-term, long-term, or a mix.
Can I change my learning goals throughout the reporting cycle?
Yes. You are required to create and meet three learning goals over the three-year reporting period but these goals can be flexible. If your learning needs change, for example you move practices and your new client base has different needs, you may decide to revise your learning goals. The aim of the professional development portfolio is to identify what your learning needs are and address them.
How do I report on the portfolio?
You will submit your declaration through the Registrant Portal.
Why am I in year 3 of the Portfolio if 2024 is the first year of declarations?
Midwives are required to complete the Professional Development Portfolio every three years. For all midwives registered on or before October 1, 2021, the reporting cycle began on October 2, 2021, and ends on October 1, 2024. These midwives are now in the third year of the reporting cycle, even though 2024 will be their first year of declaring completion with the College.
How do I request an exemption?
Midwives who are unable to meet their Professional Development Portfolio requirements due to exceptional circumstances; such as illness, parental leave, or disability leave; can apply for an exemption. A midwife can request either a full exemption, where the midwife has no reporting obligations for the entire three-year Professional Development Portfolio cycle; or a partial exemption, where the midwife completes some, but not all, of the requirements.
An Exemption Request form must be submitted at least 15 business days prior to the October 1 reporting deadline. The College encourages all midwives requesting an exemption to complete the form well in advance of this date in case an exemption is not granted. Please submit all exemptions forms to qap@cmo.on.ca.
Why do I need to do case reviews/how many do I need to do?
Case review is a mandatory component of the Professional Development Portfolio that facilitates learning and discussion among midwives to improve practice. Midwives in the general, supervised practice, and transitional classes at some point in the three year period, may have to complete case reviews.
The number of peer case reviews required is based on the length of time a midwife is registered in a practising class during their three-year reporting cycle. Please refer to the information below to determine how many case reviews you are expected to complete:
Total months in a practising class (transitional, supervised practice, general):
- 36 or more: 12 case reviews required
- 24-35: 8 case reviews required
- 12-23: 4 case reviews required
- 0-11: 0 case reviews required.
Midwives who have been in a practising class (transitional, supervised practice, general) for 11 or fewer months of the three-year reporting cycle are not required to participate in case reviews, however they are still required to participate in learning plan activities.
Where do I find the forms to complete?
The forms for the Learning Plan and the Case Reviews can be found on our website. You can download a copy and complete them. They are in fillable PDF.