Registered midwives in the Yukon can now work to their full scope of practice.

The Midwifery Integration Amendments Act was passed with unanimous support from MLAs and received assent Monday in the legislature.

The legislative changes support registered midwives to operate efficiently and safely within the health care system.

With these changes, registered midwives are now able to work to their full scope of practice and midwifery clients are able to receive an improved continuity of care.

The act includes amendments to four pieces of legislation: the Care Consent Act, the Employment Standards Act, the Interpretation Act and the Public Health and Safety Act.

Amendments to the Care Consent Act ensure that registered midwives can continue to lead the appropriate care for their clients in an emergency situation outside of a hospital setting.

Changes to the Employment Standards Act ensure registered midwives have the authority to provide certificates for maternity leave and for leave related to health problems associated with pregnancy.

Amendments to the Interpretation Act create a standard definition for the term “registered midwife” across Yukon legislation.

Alterations to the Public Health and Safety Act include primary health care nurses and registered midwives on the list of health professionals upon whom a reporting obligation may be imposed by regulation with respect to communicable diseases.

“(Monday) marks an important milestone in ensuring Yukon parents have an additional option for pregnancy, birth and postpartum care,” said Health and Social Services Minister Tracy Anne-McPhee.

“By passing the Midwifery Integration Amendments Act, we are taking another step forward in completely integrating midwifery services into the Yukon’s health care system while allowing midwives to operate within their full scope of practice.”

On April 15, 2021, the Midwives Regulation under the Health Professions Act (HPA) came into force.

The regulatory framework and scope of practice for midwifery services provided a broad scope of practice for the Yukon’s Registered Midwives.

The Yukon Midwifery clinic in Whitehorse officially opened last July 7.

The territory’s approach to midwifery care is aligned with national standards and best practices, including for patient safety.