54.1-2957.9 - Regulation of the practice of midwifery.
§ 54.1-2957.9. Regulation of the practice of midwifery.
The Board shall adopt regulations governing the practice of midwifery, uponconsultation with the Advisory Board on Midwifery. The regulations shall (i)address the requirements for licensure to practice midwifery, including theestablishment of standards of care, (ii) be consistent with the NorthAmerican Registry of Midwives' current job description for the profession andthe National Association of Certified Professional Midwives' standards ofpractice, except that prescriptive authority and the possession andadministration of controlled substances shall be prohibited, (iii) ensureindependent practice, (iv) require midwives to disclose to their patients,when appropriate, options for consultation and referral to a physician andevidence-based information on health risks associated with birth of a childoutside of a hospital or birthing center, as defined in subsection E of §32.1-11.5, including but not limited to risks associated with vaginal birthsafter a prior cesarean section, breech births, births by women experiencinghigh-risk pregnancies, and births involving multiple gestation, (v) providefor an appropriate license fee, and (vi) include requirements for licensurerenewal and continuing education. Such regulations shall not (a) require anyagreement, written or otherwise, with another health care professional or (b)require the assessment of a woman who is seeking midwifery services byanother health care professional.
License renewal shall be contingent upon maintaining a Certified ProfessionalMidwife certification.
(2005, cc. 719, 917; 2009, c. 646.)