The cessation of ‘collaborative arrangement’ requirements from November 1 is another positive step towards valuing midwives in their role as primary care providers. Following the introduction of legislation in March, to repeal the unpopular requirements for midwives and nurse practitioners, changes will finally come into effect.
The Australian College of Midwives (ACM) welcomes the removal and thanks the Albanese Government for prioritising this change.
Endorsed midwives are autonomous primary healthcare professionals who, as of 1 November, will no longer be required to enter into a collaborative arrangement with a medical professional which will enable more women to access continuity of care with a known midwife.
ACM Chief Midwife Alison Weatherstone said the removal of this red tape will enable more women to access MBS rebated midwifery continuity of care services.
“Collaborative Arrangements were a decade long barrier for women to access Medicare rebates for midwifery continuity of care. This change is a win for women and enables endorsed midwives to work to their full scope of practice without this unnecessary barrier.’
The removal of the collaborative arrangement requirement is also expected to improve access to maternity care in rural and remote areas where endorsed midwives can provide increased choice for women.