Ala. Admin. Code r. 540-X-8-.24

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 02, November 27, 2024

Section 540-X-8-.24 - Functions And Activities Of Certified Nurse Midwives

(1) The certified nurse midwife is responsible and accountable for the continuous and comprehensive management of women's health care focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, care of the newborn, family planning and gynecological needs for which the certified nurse midwife is educationally prepared and for which competency is maintained, with physician collaboration as described in these rules. These services include but are not restricted to the following:

(a) Evaluate current health status and risk factors of individuals based on comprehensive health history and comprehensive physical examinations and assessments.

(b) Formulate a working diagnosis, develop and implement a treatment plan, and evaluate/modify therapeutic regimens to promote positive patient outcomes.

(c) Prescribe, administer and provide therapeutic measures, tests, procedures, and drugs.

(d) Counsel, teach and assist individuals/families to assume responsibility for self-care in prevention of illness, health maintenance, and health restoration.

(e) Consult with and refer to other health care providers as appropriate.

(2) A standard protocol approved by the Board of Nursing and State Board of Medical Examiners shall address permissible functions and activities specific to the practice of the certified nurse midwife.

(3) A certified nurse midwife may, after the successful completion of an organized program of study and supervised clinical practice, carry out functions beyond the nurse midwifery educational preparation provided the functions are approved by the Board of Nursing as being within the legal scope of practice for a certified nurse midwife. Such functions will be submitted to the Joint Committee for consideration for inclusion on the standard protocol.

(4) Requests for additional functions to be added to the protocol may be submitted to the Joint Committee for consideration.

(5) A certified nurse midwife may write admission orders for inpatients and subsequent orders in accordance with established protocols and institutional policies.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 540-X-8-.24

New Rule: Filed June 20, 1996; effective July 26, 1996. Amended: Filed August 25, 2003; effective September 29, 2003. Amended: Filed September 11, 2008; effective October 16, 2008.

Was previously Rule 540-X-8-.21, renumbered as per certification filed August 25, 2003; effective September 29, 2003. Was previously Rule 540-X-8-.22, renumbered as per certification filed April 23, 2004; effective May 28, 2004.

Author: Patricia E. Shaner, Attorney for the Board of Medical Examiners

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 34-21-85, 34-21-86, 34-21-87, 34-24-53.