On December 15, 2025, the General Regulation under the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act, 1990 was expanded to improve access to laboratory and point of care tests (POCTs) for midwifery clients.
Midwives collect specimens and order and perform laboratory investigations for their clients as part of their midwifery practice. The College of Midwives of Ontario worked with the Ministry of Health to update this regulation to improve access to care for midwifery clients. We are happy to see this expansion to the list of essential lab tests and point of care tests (POCTs) that midwives can order and provide to their clients on their own authority.
The updated regulation adds new laboratory tests to the current schedule, and also adds an additional category of POCTs to the list that midwives may order or perform on their own authority. Access to this expanded list of tests improves the quality and timeliness of care for clients.
As with all elements of midwifery care, midwives must use their knowledge, skill, and judgement to order or perform all items on the list safely and effectively.
The changes to the list include the addition of investigations for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, infectious disease, and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).
The College understands that these changes will provide improved access to tests and investigations within the midwifery scope of practice. While we are pleased with this expansion to the list, we recognize that specified lists of tests are at risk of becoming outdated as clinical guidance and practice standards change. We will continue to work with the Ministry to find a sustainable solution for clients to continue to receive optimal care by midwives.