The Prescribing and Administering Standard has been rescinded by the College of Midwives of Ontario, effective July 15, 2024.
The Prescribing and Administering Standard was first implemented on January 1, 2014, outlining the minimum standards which midwives must meet in order to ensure safety for the public in the realm of prescribing and administering drugs and substances. The standard also lists record keeping requirements, and provides information on writing a legal prescription, clinical care guidance for obtaining the Best Possible Medication History, and how to report adverse drug reactions and medication errors. In 2018, the Professional Standards for Midwives was approved and implemented, and both standards have been operating alongside one another, with minor revisions for currency.
The College is committed to continuously assessing and adapting regulatory tools to reflect regulatory best practice, and we review our guiding documents at scheduled intervals. The Prescribing and Administering Standard was scheduled for review in 2023, but the College postponed a final review of this document until the new Designated Drugs and Substances Regulation was enacted on May 3, 2024.
The Council has concluded that the Prescribing and Administering Standard may now be rescinded. At this time, the standards contained within this document are already captured in the Professional Standards for Midwives, and overarching laws and regulations provide sufficient structure to permit safe prescribing and administering of medications. Rescinding the standard does not eliminate the requirement for midwives to continue to meet these best practices and legal obligations.
Please reach out to practiceadvice@cmo.on.ca with any questions related to professional practice.
Will this change affect the way midwifery is practised?
Rescinding the Prescribing and Administering Standard will not change how midwifery is practised. The Professional Standards for Midwives, overarching laws, and regulations already cover the legislative and regulatory bounds of prescribing and administering medications. As before, it is a midwife’s responsibility to have the knowledge, skill, and judgement to provide care in a safe and ethical way; this responsibility remains in place once the standard is rescinded.