The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 requires the Midwifery Council, among other things, to:
- set standards of clinical competence, cultural competence and ethical conduct; and
- review and maintain the competence of midwives
The Act stipulates that a midwife may not be issued with an annual practising certificate unless the Midwifery Council is satisfied that the midwife meets the required standard of competence. Engagement in the Recertification Programme is the way midwives demonstrate ongoing competence. The Programme requires midwives to undertake certain activities within a three year period. Midwives applying for a practising certificate are expected to have met the requirements within the three years prior to the date of application. Midwives who take leave from work of more than 6 months are invited to contact the Registrar to discuss an extension to the three year period.
Following a consultation of midwives and stakeholders in November 2007, the Recertification Programme was revised. The revised Programme applies from April 2008 to March 2011 and can be downloaded below. The Programme explains the requirements (including the expectations around keeping portfolios and what is meant by 'working across the Scope') and includes a list of pre-approved professional activities with allocated points.
Recertification Programme updated August 2010
Adobe Acrobat Document: 190kB
Recertification Summary Booklet
Adobe Acrobat Document: 226kB
Full details about approved courses and self allocation of points for elective courses and professional activities are available on our education pages.
Not all courses and workshops are offered regularly and the Recertification planner is provided to assist midwives in planning ahead to meet the requirements.
Recertfication Planner 2011 (word format)
Information for education providers is also available in relation to the criteria and approval processes for compulsory and elective continuing education components of the Recertification Programme
If you would like information on taking time off and the Recertification Programme click here to go to our Publications page.
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