In 1989, the Alberta Association of Midwives applied to the Health Disciplines Board within the government of Alberta for designation of the discipline of midwifery. By 1991, the Health Disciplines Board completed its investigation into midwifery and submitted its recommendations.IBased on the report, midwifery was designated as a Health Discipline under the Health Disciplines Act in 1992. In 1993, the Midwifery Regulations Advisory Committee was established to draft the "Regulations and Standards" and "Competencies of Practice", and to recommend an educational program and an assessment process of midwifery qualifications.
This committee also recommended that midwifery be a service funded by government. Currently, the official government position is that funding midwifery services is the responsibility of each health region. The Regional Health Authorities need to hear from consumers that funding midwifery would serve their community.
The application process for the assessment of midwifery qualifications began in 1995. There were about 200 applicants. Following assessment of detailed portfolios, written and practical exams, the midwifery registry was opened on July 17, 1998 and 22 midwives were registered. As of May 1, 2006, there are 29 registered midwives of whom 25 are actively practicing.
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