Note: This article was originally published in the Summer 2023 edition of our On Call newsletter and has not been updated.
Before making a request for a class change, please read the important information below to see how your practice may be impacted.
There are two types of class changes:
General class (eligible to practise) to inactive class (not practising)
Inactive class registrants of the College may continue to use the title Registered Midwife, or RM, but are not permitted to practise midwifery in Ontario while in the inactive class.
Once the College processes the class change to inactive, the following occurs:
- Your professional liability insurance is suspended. Inactive registrants are not permitted to practise midwifery in Ontario.
- Your Public Register information is updated, and an updated wallet card will be available through the Registrant Portal.
- Midwifery stakeholders are notified.
- Your class change is confirmed by email.
- Your registration fees are re-calculated and a refund is issued to you. The refunded amount is the pro-rated difference between general fees paid and inactive fees for the remainder of the registration year.
The College makes best efforts to process the request within 10 business days. Refunds take approximately four to six weeks.
Please note that all inactive registrants wishing to return to the general class will undergo a review to ensure current clinical experience and active practice in accordance with the Registration Regulation and any College policies.
For more information about the inactive class and not practising midwifery, please review the Inactive Class Information document.
Inactive class (not practising) to general class (eligible to practise)
To return to the general class, registrants in the inactive class must meet the required current clinical experience consisting of active practice for at least two years out of the four years immediately before the date of application.
If you don’t meet the clinical experience and active practice requirements, you will be required to complete a requalification program before you can move to the general class. Your request may be referred to a Registration Committee panel. Should that be the case, you will be advised in writing and be provided an opportunity to make further written submissions for consideration by a Panel of the Registration Committee.
The written submission plays a pivotal role in the determination of your requalification program. This is your opportunity to explain to the Registration Committee panel why you have a shortfall, your practice prior to going inactive, how you intend to practise, how you’ve been maintaining your competence and finally, any information you wish for the panel to consider. The panel’s decision focuses mainly on ensuring that you are able to safely return to practise but will also take into account your circumstances. For that reason, it is fundamental that registrants provide detailed answers in their submission.
Learn more about the Registration Committee Panel Review Process.
Please plan ahead and read the instructions and deadlines listed on your referral letter carefully to avoid any delays in processing your request.
You must allow a minimum of eight weeks to process your request. The Registration Committee panel meets monthly, and applications may be deferred if registrants fail to provide full and complete submissions. In addition, you should account for the possibility of needing to complete a requalification program prior to being re-issued a general certificate.
How do I request a class change?
Registrants who want to change their current class must submit their Change of Class application form to the College.
Please contact the College at registration@cmo.on.ca if you have any questions.