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MIDWIVES INFORMED CHOICE AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

According to Texas Law, Texas Occupations Code Ch. 203, the Licensed Midwife is required to disclose in oral

and written form to a prospective client the limitations of the skills and practices of the midwife. The Informed

Choice and Disclosure Statement meets these legal requirements. Each midwife may also expand the document

into a more extensive information choice agreement reflecting details of her/his practice.

A. In accordance with the Texas Midwifery Act, the midwife:

1. Assists only with normal childbirth except in an emergency situation that poses an immediate threat to the

life of the mother or newborn.

2. Encourages each client to seek prenatal, postpartum, and newborn care if not offered as part of the midwife's

service.

3. Advises each client to seek medical care if the client develops signs or symptoms of a complication related

to pregnancy.

4. Does not use forceps or surgical instruments for any procedure other than cutting the umbilical cord or

providing emergency first aid during delivery.

5. Does not remove the placenta by invasive techniques.

6. Does not advance or retard labor or delivery by using medicines or mechanical devices.

7. Does not administer a prescription drug except under the supervision of a physician licensed by the State of

Texas, with the exception of oxygen and state approved prophylaxis to prevent blindness of the infant.

8. Does not knowingly or intentionally falsify or make false statements on a birth certificate application. (This

offense is prosecutable as a felony of the third degree).

9. Does not use professional titles other than licensed midwife or Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) if

certified by NARM.

10. Has explained to the client all the other legal requirements which are applicable to the midwife's practice;

The newborn screening law requires every newborn to receive testing for certain diseases. A midwife is

trained to do compulsory newborn screening, or has made arrangements for it to be done by an appropriate

health care facility or physician.

A newborn baby must receive eye prophylaxis within two hours of birth to prevent possible blindness from

infection.

A serology blood test for syphilis & hepatitis B is necessary during pregnancy and on admission for birth.

A serology blood test for HIV is necessary at the first prenatal visit and during the third trimester, unless the

mother objects. The result of the test is confidential, not anonymous.

Communicable diseases must be reported.

Registration is necessary for both births and deaths.

Midwives Informed Choice And Disclosure Statement - Texas Department Of Licensing And Regulation