Health and Community Services
April 28, 2016
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services:
Minister Announces New Regulations Governing Midwives in Newfoundland and Labrador
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise in this Honourable House today to announce the introduction of new regulations that will facilitate the safe and responsible governance of midwifery in our province.
Developed in consultation with practising midwives from across the country, educators, the Association of Midwives of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals and other stakeholder groups, the Midwives Regulations will officially come into force on September 30, 2016 under the Health Professions Act.
Mr. Speaker, with the introduction of these new regulations, all practising midwives in our province will be required to meet established educational, exam and other certification requirements and follow established best practices for the protection of all involved. These new regulations have been developed in accordance with national standards and we are pleased to introduce them for the benefit of families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
The new regulations will come into force on September 30, providing advance notice of the registration requirements to stakeholders, including those currently practising as midwives and expectant mothers.
Ensuring a smooth introduction of regulated midwifery in the province is an important public protection initiative for our government and is a necessary first step as we continue to work with midwives and other health care professionals to implement regulated midwifery in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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2016 04 28 1:50 p.m.