Midwife standards for practice released

01 May 2018

New midwifery standards for practice have been released today.

The Midwife standards for practice will replace the existing National competency standards for the midwife on 1 October 2018. The standards for practice provide a framework for midwifery practice in all contexts.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) sets the standards, codes and guidelines which together establish the requirements for professional and safe midwifery practice in Australia.

NMBA Chair, Associate Professor Lynette Cusack, said that the new standards for practice were thoroughly researched and widely consulted on.

‘The Midwife standards for practice are evidence-based and have been tested across midwifery settings, including clinical, community and governance applications,’ Associate Professor Cusack said.

The seven interrelated standards are framed within a woman-centered approach and contain criteria that specify how the standard can be demonstrated.

‘The standards are enabling and suitable for all midwives in all practice settings. They will help midwives to ensure their practice meets the contemporary standards of their profession and the trust women place in them,' Associate Professor Cusack said.

The Midwife standards for practice reflect the midwife’s continuous woman-centred professional relationship that may extend from preconception to the postnatal period acknowledging the role midwives play across the health system.

The new standards align with existing NMBA standards, codes and guidelines. They provide guidance to ensure midwifery services are provided without discrimination and are provided in a culturally safe way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The standards can be viewed on the professional standards section of the NMBA website.

The NMBA is asking all midwives to view the new standards and reflect on how they relate to their practice, which can count towards continuing professional development (CPD) hours.

All midwives in Australia will need to ensure their practice is meeting the Midwife standards for practice from 1 October 2018.

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