Iceland proposes changes to midwife licensing rules

Icelandic authorities are proposing changes to correct shortcomings in the country’s rules on midwives’ education and professional licensing, mbl.is reports. The Ministry of Health has submitted draft amending regulations to the government’s consultation portal.

The initial implementation of European Union rules on the recognition of professional education and qualifications was inadequate. The EFTA Surveillance Authority objected to the process, saying that the directive’s substantive minimum requirements needed to be implemented.

The draft regulations would introduce those requirements in line with the current directive, which was amended specifically for midwives in 2024. The existing regulation would also be updated to reflect changes in university education in Iceland. Midwifery education formally changed from a candidate degree to a master’s degree around 2019, and the ministry says clearer rules are therefore needed.

The proposed rules would formally require a master’s degree for a midwife’s professional licence. Applicants would still need to complete education leading to a nursing licence, but would also have to obtain that licence before beginning their midwifery studies.

The changes would also clarify requirements for specialist licences at master’s level. The need for greater clarity arose because the nursing and midwifery department offered a bridging programme for midwives with older candidate degrees to complete a master’s degree.

Finally, the rules on procedures for citizens of European Economic Area states would be updated in light of recent case law from the EFTA Court.