What does the Midwifery Council do?


The functions of the Council are defined by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 ("the Act").

The Council must:

  • Define the Midwifery Scope(s) of Practice and prescribe the qualifications required of registered midwives
  • Accredit and monitor midwifery educational institutions and programmes
  • Maintain a public Register of Midwives who have the required qualifications and are competent and fit to practise
  • Issue practising certificates to midwives who maintain their competence
  • Establish programmes to asses and promote midwives' ongoing competence
  • Deal with complaints and concerns about midwives' conduct, competence and health
  • Set the midwifery profession's standards for clinical and cultural competence and ethical conduct, including competencies that will enable effective and respectful interaction with Maori
  • Promote education and training in midwifery
  • Promote and facilitate inter-disciplinary collaboration and cooperation in the delivery of health services
  • Promote public awareness of the Council's responsibilities

Health Professional Regulation - click the video below to learn about the role of health regulators