Time to be proactive Midwives:
There are several draft laws (Bills) currently being discussed in Federal Parliament that, if passed, will:
· Give eligible midwives the opportunity to provide care (that is free to women) with Medicare funding.
· Provide eligible midwives with professional indemnity insurance for their work.
· Give midwives who have held professional indemnity insurance 'run-off cover', which means that if a claim arises from a woman that you have provided care for (even if you are have retired or ceased work) then you will be covered.
The College is actively discussing the details of these draft laws with Government, with other political parties and with doctors' groups, nursing groups, and consumer groups. There is currently a Senate Inquiry into these draft laws, and the College has submitted a paper which focuses on the lack of access to professional indemnity insurance for midwives wishing to care for women who plan to birth at home. The College is satisfied with all other aspects of these draft laws, except for this exclusion of homebirth.
The Government has formed a Maternity Services Advisory Group, which will meet for the first time of the 1st August 2009. The Australian College of Midwives has two representatives on this group. This Committee will be responsible for advising Government of the detailed implementation of the Maternity Services reforms.
If you are interested in looking at these Bills then click here -
Inquiry into Health Legislation Amendment (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill 2009 and two related Bills
NB. The 'Explanatory Notes' accompanying each Bill may give you a better feel for what the Government is proposing, as the Bills themselves use quite complex political jargon.
If you would like to view the College's submission to the Senate Inquiry, please click visit the College website - www.midwives.org.au, then go to College Submissions, Maternity Services Review, Senate Inquiry Submission.
Australian College of Midwives
posted by Pauline C
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