What does licensing with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives mean?
Licensing with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives allows an individual to legally practice midwifery in the province of British Columbia.
BCCNM licensees have met all of the criteria for licensure and, in the best judgement of the License Committee, are competent, current and safe practitioners. Licensed midwives have access to the guidelines, policies and other documents developed by BCCNM to assist them in providing high quality midwifery service in the province of British Columbia (B.C.). A registered midwife must:
practice within the midwifery scope and model of practice and according to the Midwives Regulation, BCCNM bylaws, standards of practice, and code of ethics;
carry professional liability insurance in an amount that is at least the minimum level of coverage required under BCCNM bylaws; and
meet the quality assurance requirements, and annual licensure requirements set by BCCNM.
What are the classes of licenses?
The following classes of licenses are established in the BCCNM bylaws:
- Practising midwife licensee
- Provisional midwife licensee
- Temporary midwife (emergency) licensee
For detailed information on the classes of licenses and their respective requirements for licensure, please refer to BCCNM bylaws.
Who will review my application for licensee?
The BCCNM Licence Committee is responsible for determining who is qualified to practice midwifery in B.C. and conducts and oversees the licensure process. The Licence Committee includes both appointed public members and B.C. licensed midwives.
How do I get licensed?
On the left-hand column, you'll find the How to apply link that takes you to the pages where you'll find the licensure requirements and process involved for each midwife license category.
How much does a licence cost?
Visit the fees page. Each licensee must obtain and at all times maintain professional liability insurance at the level set out in BCCNM bylaws. The Midwives Association of BC is responsible for negotiating the funding contract for midwifery services in B.C. and professional liability insurance is accessed through membership with MABC. For information on the cost of professional liability insurance, please contact MABC.