Note: This article was originally published in the Spring 2023 edition of our On Call newsletter and has not been updated.
As the regulator for midwifery in Ontario, the College of Midwives of Ontario takes our public-interest mandate seriously.
We are pleased to share that we are currently working with the Ministry of Health to develop an expanded list of laboratory tests that can be ordered by midwives. We are also in consultation with the ministry about the drugs midwives are able to prescribe and administer for their clients. Expanding these lists will ensure clients have access to the tests and treatments required during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and decrease the number of consultations with other health care providers for routine tests and treatments.
Our original submission to the Ministry was to recommend midwives be able to order laboratory tests and prescribe drugs based on scope rather than a list. While the evidence demonstrates that midwives being able to work to their optimal scope is ultimately in the best interest of Ontarians, it is undeniable that expanding the list of labs and drugs that midwives can order and prescribe will improve client care.
We will keep working to improve care for all midwfery clients and update you as we have more information.
Related Legislation
Our submissions about laboratory tests and designated drugs are considered separately by the Ministry of Health because they are part of two separate pieces of legislation. The Designated Drugs Regulation is under the Midwifery Act, 1991, and the list of approved laboratory tests is included in the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act, 1990.