The Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors (Supervisors of Midwives) Amendment Rules Approval Order 1997

Amendment of the Principal Rules

2.—(1) The principal rules shall be amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this rule.

(2) In rule 9(2) after the words “(3) and (7)” there shall be added the words “and to rule 44(3)”.

(3) For rule 44 there shall be substituted the following:—

“Supervisors of midwives

44.— (1) A person appointed by a local supervising authority in accordance with Section 16(3) of the Act shall—

(a) be a registered and practising midwife;

(b) either—

(i) have 3 years' experience as a practising midwife of which at least one shall have been in the period of two years immediately preceding the appointment; or

(ii) obtain such further midwifery experience, and within such period, as may be required by the Council; and

(c) have successfully completed a course described in paragraph (2) within the 3 year period prior to the appointment unless, in an individual case (and, in particular, in the case of a national of an EEA State or other person entitled to be treated, for the purpose of appointment as a supervisor of midwives, no less faviourably than a national of such a State, having regard to any enforceable Community law right or any enactment giving effect to a Community obligation), the Council decides otherwise.

(2) A course referred to in paragraph (1)(c) shall be—

(a) provided at an institution approved by a National Board;

(b) of no fewer than 100 hours' duration; and

(c) designed to enable the midwife to achieve the following outcomes—

(i) an understanding of the way in which the supervision of midwives enhances standards of care;

(ii) an understanding of the application of law relevant to midwifery practice and the supervision of midwives;

(iii) the ability to provide professional support to practising midwives relevant to maintaining and promoting standards of care;

(iv) the ability to encourage midwives to use their experience in practice to enhance their professional development; and

(v) an understanding of accountability and professional responsibility as a supervisor of midwives.

(3) A supervisor of midwives shall complete, as part of the requirements of rule 9(2)(a)(ii)(aa), at least 15 hours' study relating to the supervision of midwives in each registration period of her appointment, unless the Council, in an individual case, decides that such a study may be reduced.”