Changes to legislation come into effect on 1st July 2019 which are designed to support agencies working with whanau/families and tamariki to share information so that the woman and baby can be supported to be safe from harm. Both acts will apply to midwives as health professionals working with families. The College has reviewed the acts and identified how they may affect midwives. The Ministry of Health is developing guidance documents to support health practitioners. The College is also developing e-learning education to help midwives update their understanding of these changes.
You can find more detailed information at:
- Information sharing to support tamariki wellbeing and safety: Guidance for sharing information across the child welfare and protection sectors – https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-children/information-sharing
- Sharing information safely, Guidance on sharing personal information under the Family Violence Act 2018 – https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/key-initiatives/reducing-family-and-sexual-violence/a-new-family-violence-act/information-sharing-guidance/
Health sector specific resources
The Ministry of Health is developing health specific resources which are also available on the Ministry of Health website https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/new-information-sharing-schemes
We recommend that you contact the Legal Section or a Midwifery Advisor if you require any advice on a specific case.