Regulation - LGIC
Proposed Regulatory Amendments to O. Reg. 884/93 (Designated Drugs) made under the Midwifery Act, 1991.
Regulation Number(s):
O.Reg. 884/93 (Designated Drugs)
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Midwifery Act, 1991
Summary of Proposal:
In Ontario, the regulation of health professions is based on a self-governance model. There are 26 health regulatory colleges governing 28 health professions under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and their respective health profession Acts.
Under the RHPA and the Midwifery Act, 1991, the College of Midwives of Ontario (College or CMO) is responsible for governing the profession of midwifery in Ontario in the public interest. Under these Acts, the College has the authority to make regulations on a variety of subjects, including regulations designating the drugs that members may prescribe and administer.
The College is proposing to make the following amendments to Ontario Regulation 884/93 (Designated Drugs) made under the Midwifery Act, 1991, to better reflect current midwifery scope of practice and best practices for the profession.
• Update the existing drug list to reflect the drugs currently available in Canada, and which align with best practices for midwifery.
• Allow midwives to prescribe hormonal contraceptives, including intra-uterine devices, to women in the immediate post-partum period.
• Allow midwives to administer specific controlled drugs and substances, to clients in labour and in the hospital setting only.
• Allow midwives to use or administer a drug or substance on the order of a registered nurse in the extended class (nurse practitioner) or a physician.
This proposal is not final. The ministry and College may refine this proposal based on feedback received through this consultation, prior to bringing it forward to the Minister of Health for her review prior to seeking the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
Under the RHPA and the Midwifery Act, 1991, the College of Midwives of Ontario (College or CMO) is responsible for governing the profession of midwifery in Ontario in the public interest. Under these Acts, the College has the authority to make regulations on a variety of subjects, including regulations designating the drugs that members may prescribe and administer.
The College is proposing to make the following amendments to Ontario Regulation 884/93 (Designated Drugs) made under the Midwifery Act, 1991, to better reflect current midwifery scope of practice and best practices for the profession.
• Update the existing drug list to reflect the drugs currently available in Canada, and which align with best practices for midwifery.
• Allow midwives to prescribe hormonal contraceptives, including intra-uterine devices, to women in the immediate post-partum period.
• Allow midwives to administer specific controlled drugs and substances, to clients in labour and in the hospital setting only.
• Allow midwives to use or administer a drug or substance on the order of a registered nurse in the extended class (nurse practitioner) or a physician.
This proposal is not final. The ministry and College may refine this proposal based on feedback received through this consultation, prior to bringing it forward to the Minister of Health for her review prior to seeking the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The proposed amendments may result in compliance costs, depending on the training course identified by the CMO and approved by College Council to prepare midwives to safely, effectively and ethically administer opioid analgesics to their clients in labour.
Further Information:
Draft Regulation
Proposal Number:
23-HLTC057
Posting Date:
October 23, 2023
Comments Due Date:
November 13, 2023
Contact Address:
Health Workforce Regulatory Oversight Branch
Office of the Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice
Ministry of Health
438 University Avenue, 10th Floor
Toronto ON M5G 2K8
Office of the Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice
Ministry of Health
438 University Avenue, 10th Floor
Toronto ON M5G 2K8