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S.B. 53

             1     

DIRECT-ENTRY MIDWIFE LICENSING ACT

             2     
2002 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Sponsor: Parley G. Hellewell

             5      This act modifies the Occupations and Professions Code by enacting the Direct-entry
             6      Midwife Licensing Act and amending related provisions of the Occupations and Professions
             7      Code and the Judicial Code. The act provides for licensure of direct-entry midwives by the
             8      Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The act provides for definitions
             9      relating to the practice of direct-entry midwives. The act creates the Direct-entry Midwives
             10      Education and Enforcement Fund and sets standards for its use. The act creates the
             11      Direct-entry Midwife Licensing Board and sets forth its membership and duties. The act
             12      requires the division to establish a Direct-entry Midwife Formulary Committee and a
             13      direct-entry midwife formulary to define which prescription drugs and devices can be
             14      prescribed and administered by direct-entry midwives and to provide guidelines for their
             15      use. The act sets forth the qualifications for licensure. The act provides for exemptions from
             16      licensure. The act guarantees the right of parents to deliver their baby where, when, how,
             17      and with whom they choose. The act provides for disciplinary action, including
             18      administrative penalties, against licensees. The act defines and provides penalties for
             19      unlawful and unprofessional conduct. The act sets standards for consultation, collaboration,
             20      referral, and transfer to or with other health care providers and sets standards for liability
             21      under those circumstances. The act brings direct-entry midwives within the scope of the
             22      Health Care Providers Immunity From Liability Act.
             23      This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
             24      AMENDS:
             25          58-13-2, as last amended by Chapter 160, Laws of Utah 2000
             26          58-13-3, as last amended by Chapter 160, Laws of Utah 2000
             27          78-14-3, as last amended by Chapter 288, Laws of Utah 1998


             28      ENACTS:
             29          58-76-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             30          58-76-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             31          58-76-103, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             32          58-76-201, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             33          58-76-202, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             34          58-76-301, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             35          58-76-302, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             36          58-76-303, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             37          58-76-304, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             38          58-76-305, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             39          58-76-401, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             40          58-76-402, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             41          58-76-501, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             42          58-76-502, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             43          58-76-503, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             44          58-76-601, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             45          58-76-602, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             46          58-76-603, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             47      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             48          Section 1. Section 58-13-2 is amended to read:
             49           58-13-2. Emergency care rendered by licensee.
             50          A person licensed under Title 58, Occupations and Professions, to practice as any of the
             51      following health care professionals, who is under no legal duty to respond, and who in good faith
             52      renders emergency care at the scene of an emergency gratuitously and in good faith, is not liable
             53      for any civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions by the person in rendering the emergency
             54      care:
             55          (1) osteopathic physician;
             56          (2) physician and surgeon;
             57          (3) naturopath;
             58          (4) dentist or dental hygienist;


             59          (5) chiropractic physician;
             60          (6) physician assistant;
             61          (7) optometrist; [or]
             62          (8) nurse licensed under Section 58-31b-301 [.]; or
             63          (9) direct-entry midwife.
             64          Section 2. Section 58-13-3 is amended to read:
             65           58-13-3. Qualified immunity -- Health professionals -- Charity care.
             66          (1) (a) The Legislature finds many residents of this state do not receive medical care and
             67      preventive health care because they lack health insurance or because of financial difficulties or
             68      cost. The Legislature also finds that many physicians, charity health care facilities, and other
             69      health care professionals in this state would be willing to volunteer medical and allied services
             70      without compensation if they were not subject to the high exposure of liability connected with
             71      providing these services.
             72          (b) The Legislature therefore declares that its intention in enacting this section is to
             73      encourage the provision of uncompensated volunteer health care in charity care settings in
             74      exchange for a limitation on liability for the health care facilities and health care professionals who
             75      provide those volunteer services.
             76          (2) As used in this section:
             77          (a) "Health care facility" means any clinic or hospital, church, or organization whose
             78      primary purpose is to sponsor, promote, or organize uncompensated health care services for people
             79      unable to pay for health care services.
             80          (b) "Health care professional" means individuals licensed under Title 58, Occupations and
             81      Professions, as physicians and surgeons, osteopaths, podiatrists, optometrists, chiropractors,
             82      dentists, dental hygienists, registered nurses, certified nurse midwives, [and] other nurses licensed
             83      under Section 58-31b-301 , and direct-entry midwives.
             84          (c) "Remuneration or compensation":
             85          (i) (A) means direct or indirect receipt of any payment by the physician and surgeon, health
             86      care facility, other health care professional, or organization, on behalf of the patient, including
             87      payment or reimbursement under medicare or medicaid, or under the state program for the
             88      medically indigent on behalf of the patient; and
             89          (B) compensation, salary, or reimbursement to the health care professional from any source


             90      for the health care professional's services or time in volunteering to provide uncompensated health
             91      care; and
             92          (ii) does not mean any grant or donation to the health care facility used to offset direct
             93      costs associated with providing the uncompensated health care such as medical supplies or drugs.
             94          (3) A health care professional who provides health care treatment at a health care facility
             95      is not liable in a medical malpractice action if:
             96          (a) the treatment was within the scope of the health care professional's license under this
             97      title;
             98          (b) neither the health care professional nor the health care facility received compensation
             99      or remuneration for the treatment;
             100          (c) the acts or omissions of the health care professional were not grossly negligent or
             101      willful and wanton; and
             102          (d) prior to rendering services, the health care professional disclosed in writing to the
             103      patient, or if a minor, to the patient's parent or legal guardian, that the health care professional is
             104      providing the services without receiving remuneration or compensation and that in exchange for
             105      receiving uncompensated health care, the patient consents to waive any right to sue for
             106      professional negligence except for acts or omissions which are grossly negligent or are willful and
             107      wanton.
             108          (4) A health care facility which sponsors, promotes, or organizes the uncompensated care
             109      is not liable in a medical malpractice action for acts and omissions if:
             110          (a) the health care facility meets the requirements in Subsection (3)(b);
             111          (b) the acts and omissions of the health care facility were not grossly negligent or willful
             112      and wanton; and
             113          (c) the health care facility has posted, in a conspicuous place, a notice that in accordance
             114      with this section the health care facility is not liable for any civil damages for acts or omissions
             115      except for those acts or omissions that are grossly negligent or are willful and wanton.
             116          (5) Immunity from liability under this section does not extend to the use of general
             117      anesthesia or care that requires an overnight stay in a general acute or specialty hospital licensed
             118      under Title 26, Chapter 21, Health Care Facility Licensing and Inspection Act.
             119          Section 3. Section 58-76-101 is enacted to read:
             120     
CHAPTER 76. DIRECT-ENTRY MIDWIFE LICENSING ACT


             121     
Part 1. General Provisions

             122          58-76-101. Title.
             123          This chapter is known as the "Direct-entry Midwife Licensing Act."
             124          Section 4. Section 58-76-102 is enacted to read:
             125          58-76-102. Definitions.
             126          In addition to the definitions in Section 58-1-102 , as used in this chapter:
             127          (1) "Administrative penalty" means a monetary fine imposed by the division for acts or
             128      omissions determined to constitute unprofessional or unlawful conduct in accordance with a fine
             129      schedule established by rule and as a result of an adjudicative proceeding conducted in accordance
             130      with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
             131          (2) "Appropriate health care provider" means any health care professional licensed in this
             132      state with training and expertise pertinent to the condition which prompts the consultation,
             133      collaboration, referral, or transfer.
             134          (3) "Board" means the Direct-entry Midwife Licensing Board created in Section
             135      58-76-201 .
             136          (4) "Client" means a woman under the care of the direct-entry midwife, and her fetus or
             137      newborn.
             138          (5) "Collaboration" means the process by which a direct-entry midwife and an appropriate
             139      health care provider jointly manage the care of a client whose health care needs have become
             140      medically complicated. The scope of collaboration may encompass the physical care of the client,
             141      including delivery, by the direct-entry midwife, according to a mutually agreed-upon plan of care.
             142      If an appropriate health care provider must assume a dominant role in the care of the client due to
             143      increased risk status, the direct-entry midwife may continue to participate in physical care,
             144      counseling, guidance, teaching, and support.
             145          (6) "Consultation" means the process by which a direct-entry midwife, who maintains
             146      primary management responsibility for a client's care, seeks the advice of an appropriate health
             147      care provider.
             148          (7) "Direct-entry midwife" means a person licensed under this chapter to engage in practice
             149      as a direct-entry midwife.
             150          (8) "Direct-entry midwife formulary" means the direct-entry midwife formulary adopted
             151      by rule by the division in collaboration with the board and the Direct-entry Midwife Formulary


             152      Committee under Section 58-76-202 .
             153          (9) "Direct supervision" means that a direct-entry midwife licensed under this chapter is
             154      responsible for the activities and services performed by the supervisee and is normally present in
             155      the facility when those activities and services are performed, but when not present in the facility
             156      is available by voice communication to direct and control the activities and services performed by
             157      the supervisee.
             158          (10) "Midwifery model of care" means the model of care based on the fact that pregnancy
             159      and birth are normal life processes and is distinct from the medical model of care and the practice
             160      of medicine. The midwifery model of care includes:
             161          (a) monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout
             162      the childbearing cycle;
             163          (b) providing the mother with, in the location of her choice, individualized education,
             164      counseling, and prenatal care, hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum
             165      support;
             166          (c) minimizing technological interventions; and
             167          (d) identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention.
             168          (11) "Midwifery services" means those services provided to an expectant, laboring,
             169      postpartum or interconceptual woman, or a newborn infant, according to the midwifery model of
             170      care and include:
             171          (a) supervision and assistance of natural childbirth;
             172          (b) provision of prenatal care, postpartum care, and limited interconceptual care;
             173          (c) identification and reduction of risks to the mother;
             174          (d) appropriate measures that promote, maintain, and restore the health of mother and
             175      baby;
             176          (e) the detection of abnormal conditions;
             177          (f) the procurement of appropriate medical assistance;
             178          (g) the execution of emergency measures including resuscitation of the newborn according
             179      to Newborn Resuscitation Provider guidelines; and
             180          (h) the provision of normal newborn care and appropriate screening.
             181          (12) "Midwives Alliance of North America" or "MANA" means the national organization
             182      in the United States representing the profession of direct-entry midwifery and direct-entry


             183      midwives.
             184          (13) (a) "Natural childbirth" means an essentially uncomplicated delivery, and includes
             185      the use of:
             186          (i) natural medicines; and
             187          (ii) uncomplicated episiotomy.
             188          (b) "Natural childbirth" does not include the use of:
             189          (i) forceps delivery;
             190          (ii) general or spinal anesthesia;
             191          (iii) caesarean section delivery; or
             192          (iv) induced abortion.
             193          (14) "Natural medicine" means:
             194          (a) food, food extracts, dietary supplements as defined by the federal Food, Drug, and
             195      Cosmetics Act, homeopathic remedies, and plant substances that are not designated as prescription
             196      drugs or controlled substances;
             197          (b) over-the-counter medications;
             198          (c) other nonprescription substances, the prescription or administration of which is not
             199      otherwise prohibited or restricted under federal or state law; and
             200          (d) for direct-entry midwives licensed under this chapter only, prescription drugs:
             201          (i) that are not controlled substances as defined in Section 58-37-2 ;
             202          (ii) the prescription of which is consistent with the competent practice of direct-entry
             203      midwifery; and
             204          (iii) the prescription of which is approved by the division in collaboration with the
             205      Direct-entry Midwife Formulary Committee.
             206          (15) "Practice as a direct-entry midwife" means practice within the midwifery model of
             207      care, MANA standards and qualifications for the art and practice of midwifery, and other generally
             208      recognized scope and standards of direct-entry midwifery, and consistent with professionally
             209      recognized preparations and educational standards, which practice includes the authority to:
             210          (a) elicit and record a client's complete health information, including physical examination,
             211      history, and laboratory findings commonly used in providing midwifery, interconceptual, and
             212      normal newborn services to a client;
             213          (b) assess findings and upon abnormal findings from the history, physical examination,


             214      or laboratory findings, manage the care of the client, consult or collaborate with, or appropriately
             215      refer or transfer the client to, an appropriate health care provider;
             216          (c) identify client condition, plan, and implement appropriate client care, including:
             217          (i) ordering appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests, including basic prenatal panel
             218      blood tests, urinalysis, gynecological cultures, and ultrasound examinations; and
             219          (ii) obtaining, prescribing, and administering the prescription drugs and devices included
             220      in the direct-entry midwife formulary in accordance with the standards and limitations included
             221      in the formulary;
             222          (d) evaluate the results of client care;
             223          (e) consult, collaborate, refer, and transfer as is appropriate regarding client care and the
             224      results of client care;
             225          (f) manage the intrapartum period, including:
             226          (i) performance of emergency episiotomy and repair of episiotomies and natural
             227      lacerations, including administration of local anesthesia in accordance with the direct-entry
             228      midwife formulary;
             229          (ii) treatment of hemorrhage, including the administration of anti-hemorrhagic agents in
             230      accordance with the direct-entry midwife formulary;
             231          (iii) treatment of shock, including the administration of intravenous fluids in accordance
             232      with the direct-entry midwife formulary; and
             233          (iv) resuscitation of the newborn according to Newborn Resuscitation Provider guidelines,
             234      including the use of oxygen;
             235          (g) manage the postpartum period;
             236          (h) provide limited interconceptual services as defined by rule, including the performance
             237      of pap tests;
             238          (i) provide normal newborn care to the age of six weeks, including obtaining, prescribing,
             239      and administering agents required by law for newborn eye prophylaxis and injectable and oral
             240      vitamin K in accordance with the direct-entry midwife formulary;
             241          (j) represent or hold oneself out as a direct-entry midwife, or use the title direct-entry
             242      midwife, or the initials DEM;
             243          (k) execute the orders of an appropriate health care provider when those orders are
             244      consistent with the education, training, experience, and current competency of the direct-entry


             245      midwife, or as determined necessary by an appropriate health care provider in an emergency; and
             246          (l) delegate direct-entry midwife duties to appropriate unlicensed assistive personnel under
             247      the direct supervision of the direct-entry midwife.
             248          (16) "Prescription drug or device" means:
             249          (a) a drug or device which, under federal law, is required to be labeled with either of the
             250      following statements or their equivalent:
             251          (i) "CAUTION: Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription:"; or
             252          (ii) "CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed
             253      veterinarian"; or
             254          (b) a drug or device that is required by any applicable federal or state law or rule to be
             255      dispensed on prescription only or is restricted to use by practitioners only.
             256          (17) "Referral" means the process by which a direct-entry midwife directs a client to an
             257      appropriate health care provider for the management of a particular problem or aspect of the
             258      client's care, after informing the client of the risks to the health of the client and her newborn or
             259      fetus.
             260          (18) "Transfer" means the process by which a direct-entry midwife relinquishes care of a
             261      client for pregnancy, labor, delivery, or postpartum care to an appropriate health care provider,
             262      after informing the client of the risks to the health or life of the client and her newborn or fetus.
             263          (19) "Unlawful conduct" is as defined in Sections 58-1-501 and 58-76-501 .
             264          (20) "Unlicensed assistive personnel" means any person who is not licensed under this
             265      chapter, regardless of title, to whom tasks are delegated by a licensed midwife in accordance with
             266      the standards of the profession.
             267          (21) "Unprofessional conduct" is as defined in Sections 58-1-501 and 58-76-502 and as
             268      may be further defined by rule.
             269          Section 5. Section 58-76-103 is enacted to read:
             270          58-76-103. Education and enforcement fund.
             271          (1) There is created within the General Fund a restricted account known as the
             272      "Direct-entry Midwife Education and Enforcement Fund."
             273          (2) The account shall be nonlapsing and consist of:
             274          (a) administrative penalties imposed under Section 58-76-402 ; and
             275          (b) interest earned on monies in the account.


             276          (3) Monies in the account may be appropriated by the Legislature for the following
             277      purposes:
             278          (a) education and training of licensees under this chapter;
             279          (b) enforcement of this chapter by:
             280          (i) investigating unprofessional or unlawful conduct;
             281          (ii) providing legal representation to the division when legal action is taken against a
             282      person engaging in unprofessional or unlawful conduct; and
             283          (iii) monitoring compliance of renewal requirements; and
             284          (c) education and training of board members.
             285          Section 6. Section 58-76-201 is enacted to read:
             286     
Part 2. Board

             287          58-76-201. Board.
             288          (1) There is created the Direct-entry Midwife Licensing Board consisting of four
             289      direct-entry midwives and one member representing the general public.
             290          (2) The board shall be appointed and serve in accordance with Section 58-1-201 .
             291          (3) The duties and responsibilities of the board are in accordance with Sections 58-1-202
             292      and 58-1-203 , and the board shall also:
             293          (a) designate one of its members on a permanent or rotating basis to assist the division in
             294      reviewing complaints concerning the unlawful or unprofessional conduct of a direct-entry midwife;
             295      and
             296          (b) advise the division in its investigation of these complaints.
             297          (4) A board member who has, under Subsection (3), reviewed a complaint or advised in
             298      its investigation may be disqualified from participating with the board when the board serves as
             299      a presiding officer in an adjudicative proceeding concerning the complaint.
             300          Section 7. Section 58-76-202 is enacted to read:
             301          58-76-202. Direct-entry Midwife Formulary Committee -- Adoption of direct-entry
             302      midwife formulary.
             303          (1) The division shall establish a Direct-entry Midwife Formulary Committee under
             304      Subsection 58-1-203 (6) to make recommendations to the board and the division regarding the
             305      direct-entry midwife formulary, including recommendations on which prescription drugs and
             306      devices are appropriate for the scope of practice of direct-entry midwives and guidelines for their


             307      use.
             308          (2) The committee shall consist of five members as follows:
             309          (a) one direct-entry midwife who is a member of the board;
             310          (b) one direct-entry midwife who is not a member of the board;
             311          (c) one licensed physician who has current professional experience consulting for and
             312      collaborating with direct-entry midwives;
             313          (d) one additional licensed physician; and
             314          (e) one licensed pharmacologist.
             315          (3) The committee members shall:
             316          (a) be appointed by the director of the division;
             317          (b) be appointed and serve in accordance with Section 58-1-201 , except as those
             318      provisions are modified by this section; and
             319          (c) serve without compensation, travel costs, or per diem for their services.
             320          (4) The committee shall operate in accordance with procedural rules established by the
             321      division in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
             322          (5) The division shall adopt by rule, in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
             323      Administrative Rulemaking Act, a direct-entry midwife formulary which includes:
             324          (a) those prescription drugs or devices which may be prescribed and administered by
             325      direct-entry midwives; and
             326          (b) standards, conditions, and guidelines for use of the prescription drugs or devices
             327      included in the formulary.
             328          Section 8. Section 58-76-301 is enacted to read:
             329     
Part 3. Licensing

             330          58-76-301. License required -- License classification.
             331          (1) Except as provided in Sections 58-1-307 and 58-76-305 , a license is required to engage
             332      in practice as a direct-entry midwife.
             333          (2) The division shall issue to individuals qualified under the provisions of this chapter
             334      a license in the classification direct-entry midwife.
             335          Section 9. Section 58-76-302 is enacted to read:
             336          58-76-302. Qualifications for licensure.
             337          An applicant for licensure as a direct-entry midwife shall:


             338          (1) submit an application in a form as prescribed by the division;
             339          (2) pay a fee as determined by the department under Section 63-38-3.2 ;
             340          (3) be of good moral character;
             341          (4) hold a certified professional midwife certificate in good standing with the North
             342      American Registry of Midwives or equivalent certification approved by the division;
             343          (5) hold current adult and infant CPR & Level I newborn resuscitation certifications
             344      through an organization approved by the division; and
             345          (6) show satisfactory documentation of completion of a pharmacology course meeting the
             346      requirements established by rule by the division in collaboration with the board.
             347          Section 10. Section 58-76-303 is enacted to read:
             348          58-76-303. Term of license -- Expiration -- Renewal.
             349          (1) (a) Each license issued under this chapter shall be issued in accordance with a two-year
             350      renewal cycle established by rule.
             351          (b) A renewal period may be extended or shortened by as much as one year to maintain
             352      established renewal cycles or to change an established renewal cycle.
             353          (2) At the time of renewal, the licensee shall:
             354          (a) demonstrate current compliance with the requirements of Subsections 58-76-302 (4)
             355      and (5); and
             356          (b) have met any continuing education requirements established under Section 58-76-304 .
             357          Section 11. Section 58-76-304 is enacted to read:
             358          58-76-304. Continuing education.
             359          The division, in collaboration with the board, may establish by rule continuing education
             360      requirements for renewal of licensure under this chapter, upon a finding by the division that
             361      continuing education requirements are necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
             362          Section 12. Section 58-76-305 is enacted to read:
             363          58-76-305. Exemptions from licensure -- Rights of parents.
             364          (1) In addition to the exemptions from licensure in Section 58-1-307 , the following
             365      persons may engage in practice as a direct-entry midwife without being licensed under this chapter,
             366      but may not prescribe or administer prescription drugs unless otherwise authorized to do so:
             367          (a) persons licensed under the laws of this state to engage in the practice of medicine,
             368      surgery, osteopathy, or nurse midwifery when engaged in the practice of the profession for which


             369      they are licensed;
             370          (b) students training under a direct-entry midwife licensed under this chapter when acting
             371      under the direct supervision of the licensee;
             372          (c) traditional midwives who do not claim to be licensed, but whom women may choose
             373      to attend them as guaranteed in Subsection (2), including the use of oxygen to resuscitate a
             374      newborn according to neonatal resuscitation guidelines by traditional midwives who are certified
             375      in neonatal resuscitation;
             376          (d) an individual administering a domestic or family remedy, or attending the childbirth
             377      of a family member;
             378          (e) a person engaged in good faith in the practice of the religious tenets of any church or
             379      religious or philosophical belief; and
             380          (f) an individual rendering aid in an emergency, when no fee or other consideration of
             381      value for the service is charged, received, expected, or contemplated.
             382          (2) Nothing in this chapter abridges, limits, or changes in any way the right of parents to
             383      deliver their baby where, when, how, and with whom they choose, regardless of licensure under
             384      this chapter.
             385          Section 13. Section 58-76-401 is enacted to read:
             386     
Part 4. License Denial and Discipline

             387          58-76-401. Grounds for denial of license -- Disciplinary proceedings.
             388          Division grounds for refusal to issue a license to an applicant, for refusal to renew the
             389      license of a licensee, to revoke, suspend, restrict, or place on probation the license of a licensee,
             390      to issue a public or private reprimand to a licensee, and to issue cease and desist orders are in
             391      accordance with Section 58-1-401 .
             392          Section 14. Section 58-76-402 is enacted to read:
             393          58-76-402. Authority to assess penalty.
             394          (1) After a proceeding pursuant to Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act,
             395      and Title 58, Chapter 1, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Act, the division may
             396      impose an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 for unprofessional or unlawful conduct under this
             397      chapter in accordance with a fine schedule established by rule.
             398          (2) The assessment of a penalty under this section does not affect any other action the
             399      division is authorized to take regarding a license issued under this chapter.


             400          Section 15. Section 58-76-501 is enacted to read:
             401     
Part 5. Unlawful and Unprofessional Conduct

             402          58-76-501. Unlawful conduct.
             403          In addition to the definition in Subsection 58-1-501 (1), "unlawful conduct" includes
             404      representing or holding oneself out as a licensed direct-entry midwife, or identifying oneself by
             405      the initials LDEM when not licensed under this chapter.
             406          Section 16. Section 58-76-502 is enacted to read:
             407          58-76-502. Unprofessional conduct.
             408          In addition to the definition in Subsection 58-1-501 (2), "unprofessional conduct" includes:
             409          (1) engaging in any act or practice for which the licensee is not competent;
             410          (2) disregard for a client's dignity or right to privacy as to her person, condition,
             411      possessions, or medical record;
             412          (3) failure to file or record any medical report as required by law, impeding or obstructing
             413      the filing or recording of such a report, or inducing another to fail to file or record such a report;
             414          (4) breach of a statutory, common law, regulatory, or ethical requirement of confidentiality
             415      with respect to a person who is a client, unless ordered by the court;
             416          (5) failure to pay a penalty imposed by the division;
             417          (6) allowing the certification required by Subsection 58-76-302 (4) to lapse, expire, be
             418      suspended, or be revoked;
             419          (7) failing to report a violation of Subsection (6) to the division within 15 days of its
             420      occurrence; and
             421          (8) unlawfully or inappropriately delegating direct-entry midwifery duties.
             422          Section 17. Section 58-76-503 is enacted to read:
             423          58-76-503. Penalty for unlawful and unprofessional conduct.
             424          (1) Any individual who violates the unlawful conduct provisions of Section 58-76-501 is
             425      guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
             426          (2) The division may assess administrative penalties in accordance with the provisions of
             427      Section 58-76-402 for acts of unprofessional or unlawful conduct, or any other appropriate
             428      administrative action in accordance with the provisions of Section 58-76-401 .
             429          (3) If a licensee has been convicted of violating Section 58-76-501 prior to an
             430      administrative finding of a violation of the same section, the licensee may not be assessed an


             431      administrative penalty under this chapter for the same offense for which the conviction was
             432      obtained.
             433          Section 18. Section 58-76-601 is enacted to read:
             434     
Part 6. Relationship with Other Health Care Providers

             435          58-76-601. Consultation, collaboration, referral, and transfer.
             436          (1) A direct-entry midwife shall appropriately consult with, collaborate with, refer to, or
             437      recommend that a client transfer care to an appropriate health care professional when the
             438      circumstances require such an action in accordance with standards for consultation, collaboration,
             439      referral, and transfer established by rule by the division, in collaboration with the board, in
             440      accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
             441          (2) If after a client has been informed that she has or may have a high-risk condition,
             442      indicating the need for medical consultation, collaboration, or referral, and the client chooses to
             443      decline, then the direct-entry midwife shall:
             444          (a) continue to provide care for the client if the client signs a waiver of medical
             445      consultation, collaboration, or referral; or
             446          (b) terminate care in accordance with the procedures established by rule by the division
             447      in collaboration with the board.
             448          (3) If after a client has been informed that she has or may have a high-risk condition
             449      requiring transfer, the client chooses to decline transfer, then the midwife shall terminate care or
             450      enter into a collaboration agreement with an appropriate health care provider in accordance with
             451      the procedures established by rule by the division in collaboration with the board.
             452          (4) If transfer of care results from an emergency situation, the direct-entry midwife shall
             453      initiate transfer by:
             454          (a) calling 911 and reporting the need for immediate transfer;
             455          (b) immediately transporting the client by private vehicle to the receiving provider; or
             456          (c) contacting the health care provider to whom the client will be transferred and following
             457      the health care provider's instructions.
             458          Section 19. Section 58-76-602 is enacted to read:
             459          58-76-602. Immunity and liability.
             460          (1) If a direct-entry midwife seeks to consult with, refer, or transfer a client to another
             461      licensed health care provider or facility, the responsibility of the provider or facility for the client


             462      does not begin until the client is physically within the care of the provider or facility.
             463          (2) An appropriate health care provider may, upon receiving a briefing of appropriate data
             464      from the direct-entry midwife, issue a medical order for the midwife's client, without that client
             465      being an explicit patient of the other provider. The responsibility and liability for the briefing and
             466      the proper carrying out of the order is the midwife's. The licensed health care provider giving the
             467      order is responsible and liable only for the appropriateness of the order given the data received.
             468      The issuing of an order for a midwife's client does not constitute a "delegation of duties" from the
             469      other provider to the midwife.
             470          Section 20. Section 58-76-603 is enacted to read:
             471          58-76-603. Birthing centers.
             472          Direct-entry midwives licensed under this chapter are authorized to autonomously deliver
             473      babies in birthing centers as defined in Section 26-21-2 .
             474          Section 21. Section 78-14-3 is amended to read:
             475           78-14-3. Definitions.
             476          As used in this chapter:
             477          (1) "Audiologist" means a person licensed to practice audiology under Title 58, Chapter
             478      41, Speech-language Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act.
             479          (2) "Certified social worker" means a person licensed to practice as a certified social
             480      worker under Section 58-60-305 .
             481          (3) "Chiropractic physician" means a person licensed to practice chiropractic under Title
             482      58, Chapter 73, Chiropractic Physician Practice Act.
             483          (4) "Clinical social worker" means a person licensed to practice as a clinical social worker
             484      under Section 58-60-305 .
             485          (5) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of insurance as provided in Section
             486      31A-2-102 .
             487          (6) "Dental hygienist" means a person licensed to practice dental hygiene as defined in
             488      Section 58-69-102 .
             489          (7) "Dentist" means a person licensed to practice dentistry as defined in Section 58-69-102 .
             490          (8) "Direct-entry midwife" means a person licensed to practice as a direct-entry midwife
             491      as defined in Section 58-76-102 .
             492          [(8)] (9) "Division" means the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing


             493      created in Section 58-1-103 .
             494          [(9)] (10) "Future damages" includes damages for future medical treatment, care or
             495      custody, loss of future earnings, loss of bodily function, or future pain and suffering of the
             496      judgment creditor.
             497          [(10)] (11) "Health care" means any act or treatment performed or furnished, or which
             498      should have been performed or furnished, by any health care provider for, to, or on behalf of a
             499      patient during the patient's medical care, treatment, or confinement.
             500          [(11)] (12) "Health care provider" includes any person, partnership, association,
             501      corporation, or other facility or institution who causes to be rendered or who renders health care
             502      or professional services as a hospital, physician, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse,
             503      nurse-midwife, direct-entry midwife, dentist, dental hygienist, optometrist, clinical laboratory
             504      technologist, pharmacist, physical therapist, podiatric physician, psychologist, chiropractic
             505      physician, naturopathic physician, osteopathic physician, osteopathic physician and surgeon,
             506      audiologist, speech-language pathologist, clinical social worker, certified social worker, social
             507      service worker, marriage and family counselor, practitioner of obstetrics, or others rendering
             508      similar care and services relating to or arising out of the health needs of persons or groups of
             509      persons and officers, employees, or agents of any of the above acting in the course and scope of
             510      their employment.
             511          [(12)] (13) "Hospital" means a public or private institution licensed under Title 26, Chapter
             512      21, Health Care Facility Licensing and Inspection Act.
             513          [(13)] (14) "Licensed practical nurse" means a person licensed to practice as a licensed
             514      practical nurse as provided in Section 58-31b-301 .
             515          [(14)] (15) "Malpractice action against a health care provider" means any action against
             516      a health care provider, whether in contract, tort, breach of warranty, wrongful death, or otherwise,
             517      based upon alleged personal injuries relating to or arising out of health care rendered or which
             518      should have been rendered by the health care provider.
             519          [(15)] (16) "Marriage and family therapist" means a person licensed to practice as a
             520      marriage therapist or family therapist under Section 58-60-405 .
             521          [(16)] (17) "Naturopathic physician" means a person licensed to practice naturopathy as
             522      defined in Section 58-71-102 .
             523          [(17)] (18) "Nurse-midwife" means a person licensed to engage in practice as a nurse


             524      midwife under Section 58-44a-301 .
             525          [(18)] (19) "Optometrist" means a person licensed to practice optometry under Title 58,
             526      Chapter 16a, Utah Optometry Practice Act.
             527          [(19)] (20) "Osteopathic physician" means a person licensed to practice osteopathy under
             528      Title 58, Chapter 68, Utah Osteopathic Medical Practice Act.
             529          [(20)] (21) "Patient" means a person who is under the care of a health care provider, under
             530      a contract, express or implied.
             531          [(21)] (22) "Pharmacist" means a person licensed to practice pharmacy as provided in
             532      Section 58-17a-301 .
             533          [(22)] (23) "Physical therapist" means a person licensed to practice physical therapy under
             534      Title 58, Chapter 24a, Physical Therapist Practice Act.
             535          [(23)] (24) "Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery under
             536      Title 58, Chapter 67, Utah Medical Practice Act.
             537          [(24)] (25) "Podiatric physician" means a person licensed to practice podiatry under Title
             538      58, Chapter 5a, Podiatric Physician Licensing Act.
             539          [(25)] (26) "Practitioner of obstetrics" means a person licensed to practice as a physician
             540      in this state under Title 58, Chapter 67, Utah Medical Practice Act, or under Title 58, Chapter 68,
             541      Utah Osteopathic Medical Practice Act.
             542          [(26)] (27) "Psychologist" means a person licensed under Title 58, Chapter 61,
             543      Psychologist Licensing Act, to practice psychology as defined in Section 58-61-102 .
             544          [(27)] (28) "Registered nurse" means a person licensed to practice professional nursing as
             545      provided in Section 58-31b-301 .
             546          [(28)] (29) "Representative" means the spouse, parent, guardian, trustee, attorney-in-fact,
             547      or other legal agent of the patient.
             548          [(29)] (30) "Social service worker" means a person licensed to practice as a social service
             549      worker under Section 58-60-305 .
             550          [(30)] (31) "Speech-language pathologist" means a person licensed to practice
             551      speech-language pathology under Title 58, Chapter 41, Speech-language Pathology and Audiology
             552      Licensing Act.
             553          [(31)] (32) "Tort" means any legal wrong, breach of duty, or negligent or unlawful act or
             554      omission proximately causing injury or damage to another.






Legislative Review Note
    as of 12-28-01 11:00 AM


A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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