The Provincial Health Officer has temporarily authorized midwives to perform nasopharyngeal swabs to screen for SARS-CoV-2, for any person, within approved COVID-19 screening programs (e.g. COVID-19 test collection sites). As per the order, midwives will need their competence to perform nasopharyngeal swabs assessed by their employer or the Medical Health Officer. This change is effective immediately and will remain in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency in British Columbia.
Midwives who are not part of such a screening program continue to be authorized to perform nasopharyngeal swabs only for individuals/clients who are pregnant or postpartum: no competency assessment is required. Please contact the BCCDC to order the swabs and for specific guidance on swabbing technique and PPE requirements.
In all cases, midwives must perform this screening activity in accordance with the guidelines issued by the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Questions?