Return to Practice Programmes
The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 requires the Midwifery Council, among other things, to restrict the issue of an annual practising certificate if there are reasonable grounds to believe the applicant:
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has not held an annual practising certificate within the three years immediately preceding the date of the application; or
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has not, within the three years immediately preceding the date of the application, lawfully practised midwifery.
The Midwifery Council may decline to issue an annual practising certificate until the applicant has met certain conditions.
The document below outlines the Midwifery Council's policy on "Return to Practice" requirements for midwives who have not practised in the Midwifery Scope of Practice for three or more years or who have not held a Midwifery Annual Practising Certificate within the preceding three years from the date of application.
Any midwife wishing to return to practise should contact the Council and request the application form and supporting documents before undertaking any return to practise training. The Council will determine the programme that is appropriate in each case depending on its assessment of the midwife's training and experience. The programme approved by the Council will not necessarily include any training undertake by the midwife in advance.
Successful completion of the Return to Practice programme will enable midwives to demonstrate that they are competent to practise within the Midwifery Scope of Practice and thereby satisfy the Midwifery Council that they meet the standards to be issued with a practising certificate.
DHB's Return to Midwifery Programmes
The Midwifery Council has endorsed Return to Practice Programmes run by two DHBs. Similar programmes are in development with some other DHBs.
The Programmes run by Capital & Coast DHB are for midwives in categories 1 and 2, that is, midwives who have been out of practice for eight years or less. Contact Diana Murray, Charge Midwife Manager on (04) 385 5999 ext 6633 or email Diana at Diana.Murray@ccdhb.org.nz.
The Programmes run by Taranaki DHB are for midwives in categories 1, 2, or 3. Contact Kerry-Ann Adlam, Director of Midwifery and Nursing on (06) 753 6139.
The DHBs will notify Council when they have accepted a midwife into their programme. The Council will issue the midwife with an interim practising certificate for the period of the programme. This will be for a limited time and with a condition that the holder may practise midwifery only as part of the Return to Midwifery Programme. They will not need to submit an application for return to practice to Council and will not have to pay Council's usual Assessment Fee but they will need to complete an application for an interim practising certificate. The DHB will notify the Council when the midwife has successfully completed the programme. The midwife will then be eligible for a full annual practising certificate. The practising certificate fee applying at that time is payable. An application form will be sent by Council when notification is received from the DHB, or contact the Deputy Registrar - nick@midwiferycouncil.org.nz .
Midwives not enrolled in DHB Programmes - making an application
Please contact the Midwifery Council for an application for a Return to Practice Practising Certificate. To make an application you will need the application form, the fee, your self-assessment against the competencies (down load the template below), details of your previous work experience before and after you ceased practising, and a plan setting out the refresher training you think you will need. You should also download and read the Return to Practice Programme policy document above. Let us know if you would prefer copies to be posted to you with the application form.
Some of the courses listed on the Continuing Education page may meet the learning needs of midwives on the Return to Practice programme. However you are advised to wait for the Council's approval of your Personal Learning Plan before enrolling.
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