Note: This document was assessed for currency in 2005 and has been reissued until 31 December 2007
Synopsis
The Report investigates the impact of the authorisation to midwives to order and interpret a limited range of tests and to prescribe specified drugs, as part of the care of healthy women through normal pregnancy and childbirth.
The scope of the Report has been limited to midwives working in and employed by public maternity services, such as the public hospital system, or an outreach or community setting.
The Report acknowledges the implications for service delivery in rural and remote areas. The new extended responsibilities for midwives will assist where there are insufficient specialists and general practitioners and emphasises the need to address the ongoing educational needs for all midwives.
In examining midwifery practices within Australia, the Report has identified the various State legislative arrangements relating to midwives ordering tests and prescribing drugs. The Report acknowledges that its recommendations could be extended to midwives employed in other settings. However, indemnity, legislative and cost implication issues would have to be addressed.
