Unauthorized Practice/Illegal Practice

Unauthorized Practice

An unauthorized practitioner is an individual who does not have authorization to practise midwifery, or use the title “midwife” in Ontario as they are not a registered member with the College.

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.

Illegal Practice

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