STANDARDS FOR MIDWIFERY PRACTICE
in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals (NLCHP) in 
conjunction with the College of Midwives of Newfoundland and Labrador, 
holds the midwife to the standard of a competent health care practitioner 
who maintains all requirements for registration, keeps current with safe 
midwifery practice, and practices in accordance with the 'Code of 
Ethics', 'Model of Practice" and other policies of the College. The 
'Standards for Midwifery Practice' provide a framework to evaluate the 
midwife's practice to ensure that it is safe and consistent within the 
scope of practice and in accordance with the midwifery regulations.

1. The midwife shall practice autonomously as a primary health care 
provider within the midwifery scope of practice and in accordance with 
midwifery regulations.

2. The midwife shall collaborate with other appropriate professionals 
and, when the client's condition warrants, consult with and refer as per 
'Indications for Consultation and Transfer of Care'.

3. The midwife shall apply evidence informed knowledge to assess, plan, 
implement, and evaluate the care to clients in her/his clinical practice.

4. The midwife shall uphold the client's right to make free and informed 
choices and provide consent.

5. The midwife shall work in partnership with the client, recognizing 
individual and shared responsibilities.

6. The midwife shall provide continuity of care to the client according 
to the 'Model of Practice', throughout the childbearing experience.

7. The midwife shall be accountable for her/his practice, to the client, 
the profession and the public as determined by the 'Competencies for 
Midwifery Practice', midwifery regulations, and the Health Professions 
Act' (2010).

8. The midwife shall participate in the quality assurance process as 
mandated in Part III of the 'Health Professions Act' (2010).

9. The midwife shall practice according to the ethical standards of the 
profession as outlined in the provincial midwifery 'Code of Ethics'.

10. The midwife shall maintain accurate, current, and comprehensive 
records and make them available to the client and other relevant persons.

11. The midwife shall ensure confidentiality of client information as 
mandated in the 'Personal Health Information Act' (2011).


References

College of Midwives of BC (1996). Standards of Practice.

College of Midwives of Manitoba. (2005). Standards of practice for 
midwives in Manitoba.

Midwifery Implementation Committee. (1999-2001). Standards for midwifery 
practice for midwives working in Newfoundland and Labrador. St. John's, 
NL: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals.
Web Site: NLCHP
March 2001 revised September 2010/February 2015 CMNL
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