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Revised IUC framework for midwives


Apr 28, 2023

On April 27, 2023, the BCCNM board approved revisions to the Framework for Midwife Certification in Intrauterine Contraception (IUC Framework) for midwives and corresponding revisions to Quality Assurance (QA) and certification requirements. These changes take effect May 18, 2023.

These changes are in response to the rescindment of a delegation agreement under which the insertion of IUCs by midwives was delega​ted by a named physician. This delegation agreement will be rescinded on May 18, 2023, and reference to it removed from the framework.​

New li​​mits and conditions

​​​The new limit​s and conditions clarify that:

  • The insertion of i​​ntrauterine systems (those containing hormones) are in scope for midwives who hold specialized practice certification in intrauterine contraception.

  • The ins​ertion of intrauterine devices (those containing copper) will no longer be in scope for midwives who hold specialized practice certification in IUC.

Revised certific​​ation requirements

​​Revisions to the certification requirements include the following:

  • ​​Rescin​ding the online education module issued by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) titled IUC from A to Z.

  • Adding three new IUC insertion courses.

  • Revising the competency profile for specialized practice certification.

Revised QA requirements

Revisions to the QA requirements include the following: 

  1. Rescinding the requirement that​​ midwives complete and log at least four IUC insertions in a 24-month period.

  2. Requiring that mid​​wives demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development and complete at least one learning activity related to their area of specialized practice within the preceding year.

  3. Requi​ring that midwives must have practiced in their area of specialized practice certification in the preceding 36 months. 

  4. Midwives ​who have not met requirements #2 and #3 will need to recertify. Note that Midwives seeking recertification in a specialized practice are assessed on a case-by-case basis with consideration for recent clinical experience, education, and practice context.

Questions?

Email practice@bccnm.ca​