AUG.

8, 2012

NR # 2825B

Congress approves bill expanding scope of practice of midwifery

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill expanding the scope of the practice of midwifery in the country by amending Republic Act (RA) No. 7392, otherwise known as the Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992. House Bill 6343 grants additional powers as well as enhances the general welfare and commitment to service and professionalism of midwives. Under the bill, midwives are allowed to administer life-saving drugs such as magnesium sulphate, oxytocin, steroids and oral antibiotics when no physician is available provided they are appropriately trained for such purpose. The measure requires midwives to be certified proficient to perform the necessary care and services to prevent maternal deaths and allows them to administer essential newborn care including, but not limited to, immunization and injecting Vitamin K to the newborn as provided under the bill. For practicing midwives who intend to perform Emergency Obstetric and neonatal Care (E/EmONC), the bill requires them to apply for and acquire accreditation from the Department of Health (DoH), the agency tasked under the bill to issue guidelines on the accreditation of midwives to perform (E/EmONC). The measure requires registered midwives to maintain competence by continual learning through continuing professional education (CPE) to be provided by the accredited professional organization or any recognized professional midwifery organization. Another key provision of the bill is a mandated comprehensive midwifery program which includes a valid assessment of career performance and potential of midwives. The bill also provides for the minimum base pay of midwives in public health institutions which shall not be lower than the 1st step of the hiring rate prescribed for the positions under RA No. 6758 or The Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989. Authors of the bill are Reps. Janette L. Garin (1st District, Iloilo), Andres D. Salvacion Jr. (3rd District, Leyte), Joseph Emilio A. Abaya (1st District, Cavite), Daryl Grace J. Abayon (Partylist, Aangat Tayo), Salvador H. Escudero III (1st District, Sorsogon), Rodolfo B. Albano (1st District, Isabela), Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro), Juan Edgardo Angara (Lone District, Aurora). Other authors include Reps. Rafael V. Mariano (Party-list, Anakpawis), Anthony Rolando T. Golez (Lone District, Bacolod City), Philip A. Pichay (1st District, Surigao del Sur), Carlos M. Padilla (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya) Jocelyn S. Limkaichong (1st District, Negros Oriental), Kaka J. Bag-ao (Party-list, Akbayan) and Leopoldo N. Bataoil (2nd District, Pangasinan) (30) mvip