Unauthorized Practice/Illegal Practice

According to the Midwifery Act, 1991 only registered midwives can use the title “midwife” or any variation of that title. In addition, people who are not registered midwives cannot hold themselves out as midwives. This prevents people from pretending that they are midwives when they are not.

The only exception is an Indigenous person who provides traditional midwifery services. They may use the title “Aboriginal midwife” or a variation, abbreviation, or an equivalent in another language and may hold themselves out as a person who is qualified to practise in Ontario as an Aboriginal midwife.

An illegal practitioner is an individual that has been prosecuted under the Midwifery Act, 1991, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, or the Provincial Offences Act. They are not registered midwives and are not entitled to practise midwifery in Ontario or to hold themselves out as a person who is qualified to practise as a midwife in Ontario.

The following individuals have been, or are in the process of being prosecuted:

Susan Columbia-Rains – Huntsville/Bracebridge

The College encourages members of the public to use the College’s public register to verify membership status. If you can not find your midwife’s name on the public register please contact us immediately by phone at 416.640.2252 x 224 or by email conduct@cmo.on.ca.

If you have any inquiries or knowledge relating to unauthorized or illegal practice, please contact us at conduct@cmo.on.ca or 416.640.2252 x 224.

Process for Addressing Unauthorized Practice and Illegal Practice:

Flow chart explaining the process of when the College posts the name and location of unauthorized or illegal practitioners. The text explains the following:
First step: Cease and desist letter.
If the individual complies, then no further action is taken and their name and location is not posted.
If the individual fails to comply, an injunction is sought and their name and location are posted. If the injunction is granted, their name and location remains. If the injunction is denied, their name and location are removed.