HPOA changes

Updated May 15, 2026

The new Health Professions and Occupations Act​ took effect April 1, 2026. BCCNM revised all our standards to align with the new Act and regulations. We also introduced new Privacy and Confidentiality and Regulatory Supervision standards for midwives.

• ​Midwifery standards

Below are specific changes to midwifery scope that took effect April 1, 2026.

Contraceptive management

• Midwives with certification can now insert both hormonal and copper IUDs.

  • ​​Relevant standard: Certified Midwives: Intrauterine Contraception Insertion

• ​The three-month contraceptive services time limit has been removed; clients must still meet the definition of 'midwifery patient' (i.e., client must be in the postpartum period).

  • ​Relevant standard: Certified Midwives: Hormonal Contraceptive Therapy

Induction of labour

Midwives with certification are explicitly permitted to insert an instrument, device, finger, or hand beyond the labia majora for the purpose of inducing labour, e.g., the use of foley/balloon catheters to induce labour. ​Revisions to the Certified Midwives: Induction and Augmentation of Labour practice standard are underway to reflect this change in scope. Midwives should also consult their hospital guidelines for additional guidance.

• Consultation on proposed changes​
  

• Relevant standard: Certified Midwives: Induction and Augmentation of Labour
  

Ultrasound​

Midwives can apply ultrasound for the purpose of fetal heart monitoring and determining fetal position and presentation.

• Relevant standard: Midwives: Screening and Diagnostic Tests & Imaging
  
  

Additional scope changes

On May 8, 2026, the Ministry of Health announced further expansion ​to midwifery scope. It's important to note that these changes are not yet in effect. The Nurses and Midwives Regulation​ must be amended, and BCCNM then has to set standards, limits, and conditions. We will keep midwives apprised of this work as it progresses.​​​​​​​​