XN000022-1997-01-31 — Page 8

7-

The spokesman noted that the level of fines and imprisonment for offences under the Ordinance would be increased to maintain their deterrent effect and reflect

better the seriousness of the offences.

The Bill which is supported by the Nursing Board will be introduced into the Legislative Council on February 19.

End

Proposed amendments to Midwives Registration Ordinance

The Midwives Registration (Amendment) Bill 1997 which seeks to broaden the representation of the Midwives Board and to amend the principle Ordinance to meet current needs is published in the gazette today (Friday).

The Bill proposes to increase the number of lay members and representatives from hospitals which train midwives and to rename the Board as the "Midwives Council". Subsequent to the increase, the Council will have 19 members as compared with 14 as at present.

The Midwives Council will be empowered to remove the name of a midwife from the register if she no longer practises midwifery in Hong Kong or if she has practised midwifery for a period exceeding six months without having obtained a practising certificate, a spokesman for the Health and Welfare Branch said.

Provisions relating to the prohibition of persons from attending a woman in childbirth will be amended to make clear that only registered medical practitioners or registered midwives can attend a woman in childbirth except in the case of an emergency or when the person attending the woman in childbirth is undergoing training, he added.

To maintain an up-to-date record, it is proposed that a system be introduced to require registered midwives to obtain practising certificates before they can practise midwifery in Hong Kong. This is in line with the practice of other medical and related professionals.