Saskatchewan midwives are being allowed to prescribe and administer appropriate drugs, order x-rays where clinically appropriate, and conduct newborn hearing screenings with government amendments.
The regulatory change will allow midwives to prescribe from a category of drugs, rather than from a specific list of drugs. Previously, when a new drug became available it would have to be added to the regulations before midwives could prescribe it. This change removes regulatory barriers to safe and appropriate patient care.
The Saskatchewan College of Midwives (SCM) will require members to participate in necessary training and continually update competencies to ensure they can provide these expanded services. Midwives employed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority will also be required to meet professional development, education, and training as a requirement of employment.