Prescribing Powers

Midwife Kendra Pegg is one of 1000+ midwives affected by ongoing regulation restrictions

The AOM is calling on all midwives, clients, and supporters to mobilize in response to government's proposed regulatory amendments to O. Reg. 884/93 (Designated Drugs) made under the Midwifery Act, 1991, which regulates the list of drugs that midwives are allowed to prescribe.

Take action now!

Click on the headings below to take quick action directly from this page.

Send a letter to Premier Ford and Health Minister Jones

 

 

Tweet @ the Ontario government

 

Background

What is the problem?

The current restrictions placed on midwives' prescribing authority, which limit them to a list of designated drugs, is an outdated, costly approach that unnecessarily restricts midwives and, most concerningly, creates risk and gaps in care for midwifery clients. The College of Midwives of Ontario (CMO), the regulatory authority for midwives, has been challenging the government on this issue for years, urging them to do away with lists and allow midwives to prescribe according to their scope of practice, or alternatively within specified drug classes or categories.

What do midwives want? 

Midwives want to provide the safest and most effective care to their clients that is reflective of the latest evidence and best practices in health care. To do this, government must remove unnecessary restrictions from scope of practice and allow midwives to prescribe according to drug classifications, rather than lists.

What does government say? 

The government continues to cite legislation as the barrier for change. However, as recently as January 2023, government expanded scope for pharmacists to prescribe medications. We know change is possible where there is political will.

I'm a midwife. What else can I do?

Continue to engage and support

  1. Connect with leadership: Midwife PALs meeting with MPPs can leverage this moment to build awareness and support among their elected representatives.

  2. Use social media: Amplify AOM messaging across  Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

  3. Read the news: Circulate midwifery-friendly media releases in your networks and notify the AOM if you have been contacted for interview

  4. Spread the word: Talk to midwife colleagues, clients, and supporters to increase awareness and participation in the above actions!

Check out the resources below for background information, and guidance  on how to participate in the public consultation.