Alta. government expands midwives' scope of practice to include prescribing drugs, contraceptives

The Alberta government will permit midwives to prescribe and administer a broader range of prescription drugs, including contraceptives and contraceptive devices. In hospitals, they'll be allowed to order and dispense benzodiazepines and narcotics. They can also:

• Prescribe and administer vaccines;
• Insert intrauterine contraceptive devices;
• Provide prescription drugs to induce labour; and
• Use ultrasounds to determine fetal position.

The Alberta government is increasing funding for midwifery services by $11 million over three years, bringing the total to $49 million.
Related:
Alberta expanding what midwives can do, on top of funding increases - The Canadian Press
Alberta midwives granted ability to induce labour, administer contraceptives under new rules - Edmonton Journal