CALGARY — Legalized midwifery may soon be a reality in Alberta.
Proposed regulations and standards for midwives will be publicly reviewed starting May 1.
Legislation has been passed to legalize midwifery, said John Sproule of Alberta Health. Now, a decision must be made as to how people will be trained, who will certify them, where they will be allowed to practise and how they will be paid. They will likely be paid through a fee structure set up by the health department, he said.
Standards for home births are also being examined.
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A pilot midwifery project at the Foothills Hospital is just winding up. About 120 babies were delivered by midwives since 1991.
Midwives will likely have to be registered nurses with additional obstetric training. The regulations will also provide for those trained outside Canada.
The midwife discussion is part of a larger debate examining the role of nurses in this province. As health care is reformed, nurses’ roles as primary caregivers could be expanded, as well as establishing specific regulations for nurse practitioners, said Sproule.
Copies of the proposed regulations are available from Alberta Labor by calling 403-427-2655.
