02-502 C.M.R. ch. 6, § B-5 - Scope of practice

1. Certified midwife. The certified midwife provides only health care services for which the certified midwife is educationally and clinically prepared and for which competency has been maintained. The certified midwife is authorized to function to the full extent of the midwife's education, training, and competency within the population focus and scope of practice defined by the national professional and standard-setting organization for midwives certified by the national midwifery certification board.

2. Certified midwives primarily practice in hospitals, clinics, and offices, and may practice in birth centers, homes, and emergency care settings. Certified midwives may consult, refer, or transfer to licensed allopathic or osteopathic physicians, or other licensed health professionals as necessary for the client's health or safety in accordance with professional judgment.

3. Such health care services for which the certified midwife is independently responsible and accountable include:

A. Primary health care services for women from adolescence to beyond menopause;

B. Primary health care of the newborn up to age 28 days; Primary maternity care, including preconception care, care during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth, including acting as the first assistant at cesarean, and the postpartum period;

C. Ordering, performing, and interpreting medical laboratory and radiology testing, and obtaining equipment and supplies for the safe practice of midwifery;

D. Provision of gynecological and family planning services and treatment of sexually transmitted infections in clients and their sexual contacts.

Notes

02-502 C.M.R. ch. 6, § B-5