This domain defines the professional accountability and scope of ethical and legal practice of the registered midwife in relation to patients, families, other members of the multidisciplinary team, community and society.
Accountability
Accepts accountability for own actions and decision-making and for the related outcomes.
Performance criteria:
- Demonstrates accountability for her own actions and omissions in accordance with Qatari laws and regulations and the Scope of Practice (HMC).
- Works within the limits of her own competence and the boundaries of the Scope of Practice (HMC).
- Provides competent autonomous care, as the lead professional, where pregnancy and labour are a normal physiological process.
- Seeks appropriate guidance when encountering situations beyond the limits of her own competence and Scope of Practice (HMC).
- Acknowledges and respects the accountability and responsibilities of other healthcare professionals and personnel.
- Assumes accountability for the delegation of aspects of care delivery.
- Participates in activities to optimize women’s access to the full range of services required for effective healthcare throughout the pre-conception period until the end of the eighth week after the birth.
- Assumes accountability for improving the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services provided.
- Demonstrates professional behavior at all times regardless of whether she is on or off-duty.
Ethical Practice
Delivers midwifery care and practices with reference to the HMC Code of Professional Behavior and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives and the ethical and professional framework alongside consideration of the socio-cultural needs of women and their families, communities and society.
Performance criteria:
- Practices according to the HMC Code of Professional Behavior and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives.
- Engages in ethical decision-making with respect to own professional responsibilities or where ethical issues affect healthcare delivery or clinical decision-making.
- Acts as an advocate protecting the woman’s rights in accordance with Qatari law and the HMC Code of Professional Behavior and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives.
- Maintains confidentiality and makes every reasonable effort to ensure the security of written, verbal and electronic patient information.
- Respects the woman’s right to be fully informed establishing a context for self- determination and informed consent.
- Respects and maintains the woman’s right for privacy and dignity.
- Acts sensitively and fairly giving due consideration to diversity, including cultural and religious beliefs, race, age, gender, physical and mental state, and other relevant factors.
- Liaises and collaborates with other healthcare professionals and personnel to ensure ethical practice is maintained.
- Questions when appropriate, healthcare practice where the safety of others is at risk and where the quality of care warrants improvement; acts where the safety of care is compromised and where necessary reports others who may be risking the safety of women and their families.
- Demonstrates professional integrity and ethical conduct in matters where a conflict of interest could be construed when advising on the use of drugs, products, devices or services (as per facility approved policy and HMC Code of Professional Behavior and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives).
Legal Practice
Functions at all times in accordance with legislative, regulatory and policy guidelines relevant to registered midwifery practice
Performance criteria:
- Practices in accordance with agreed policies and procedures that guide midwifery practice.
- Practices in accordance with relevant laws and regulations that govern midwifery practice.
- Maintains valid registration and licensure to practice in Qatar.
- Recognizes and acts upon breaches of laws and regulations relating to the professional role and/or the HMC Code of Professional Behavior and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives.
