What legislative change in 2022 impacted midwifery practice in New Zealand?

The legislative change in 2022 that significantly impacted midwifery practice in New Zealand was the introduction of prescribing rights for midwives. This landmark change allowed midwives to prescribe medications and treatments independently, recognizing their expertise in maternal and neonatal health care.

By granting prescribing rights, the legislation aimed to enhance the quality of care provided by midwives, streamline healthcare delivery, and improve access for women and families by enabling midwives to manage a broader scope of practice. This move was essential in empowering midwives to make clinical decisions and respond promptly to the needs of their patients without unnecessary delays associated with obtaining prescriptions from doctors.

While regulations on childbirth practices, increased funding for maternity services, and implementation of new training programs are all relevant to midwifery, none had the immediate and significant empowerment of midwives’ professional capacity that came with the prescribing rights established in 2022. This legislative change represents a progressive step in recognizing midwives' critical role in the New Zealand healthcare system.