Introduction
BCCNM has transitioned from using the term
telehealth to
virtual
care. This better aligns with current healthcare terminology and evidence.
Virtual care is a way midwives can provide and deliver services and care to clients remotely using technology to communicate. As with any other practice setting, midwives providing virtual care services are expected to meet the BCCNM's standards of practice.
Virtual care technologies include the use of telephone and cell phone communication, email, video and audio conferencing, instant messaging (e.g., texting, online chat.)
Nurses and midwives registered or licensed in other jurisdictions
must be registered with BCCNM to practice as a nurse or midwife in B.C., whether providing services in-person or using a virtual care method.
A virtual care assessment does not take the place of an in-person assessment when one is required. When choosing between virtual or in-person care, midwives act in the best interest of their client, use their clinical judgment and follow BCCNM standards and guidelines to determine the appropriate type of assessment required (virtual or in-person) to best meet the client needs.
FAQs
- I’m a midwife registered in B.C. and providing virtual care to clients in B.C. What do I need to know?
-
BCCNM’s relevant midwifery scope of practice, standards, policies and guidelines apply to B.C. midwives and must be followed when providing virtual care services to clients.
B.C. midwives working in independent practice will need to ensure the technology they will be using complies with applicable legal and professional requirements and that they understand its limitations.
- I’m a midwife registered in B.C. and providing virtual care to clients outside of B.C. What do I need to know?
-
BCCNM’s relevant midwifery scope of practice, standards, policies and guidelines apply to B.C. midwives and must be followed when providing virtual care services to clients. B.C. midwives providing virtual care services to clients located outside B.C. are responsible for contacting the midwives’ regulatory body in the jurisdiction where the client is located as there may be additional requirements, limits, or conditions to consider.
B.C. midwives working in independent practice will need to ensure the technology they will be using complies with applicable legal and professional requirements and that they understand its limitations.
- I’m a midwife in another Canadian jurisdiction and want to provide care to clients in B.C. What do I need to know?
-
Nurses and midwives registered or licenced in other jurisdictions must be registered with BCCNM to practice as a nurse or midwife in B.C., whether providing services in-person or using a virtual care method.
It is also recommended that midwives contact their liability insurance provider and their regulatory body.
- I have been asked to provide virtual care midwifery services. What BCCNM standards do I need to consider?
-
Midwives engaged in virtual care are responsible and accountable for the midwifery services provided to clients. Even though the format for providing care may be different, their responsibilities in meeting BCCNM’s regulatory requirements and Standards of Practice remain unchanged. They must also follow their employer’s policies related to virtual care.
Midwives working in independent practice will need to ensure the technology they will be using complies with applicable legal and professional requirements and that they understand its limitations.
Questions?
Email
practice@bccnm.ca.
Case study