Massachusetts § 292 - Role of the board

§ 292. Role of the board

Section 292. (a) The board shall:

(i) adopt rules and promulgate regulations governing licensed certified professional midwives and the practice of midwifery to promote the public health, welfare and safety consistent with the essential competencies identified by NARM;

(ii) administer the licensing process, including, but not limited to: (A) receiving, reviewing, approving and rejecting applications for licensure; (B) issuing, renewing, suspending, revoking and reinstating licenses; (C) investigating complaints against persons licensed under section 293; and (D) holding hearings and ordering disciplinary sanctions against a person who violates sections 290 to 297, inclusive, or any regulation promulgated by the board;

(iii) establish administrative procedures for processing applications and renewals;

(iv) adopt and provide a uniform, proctored examination for applicants to measure the qualifications necessary for licensure; provided, however, that the board may adopt a standardized national exam, including the examination required for certification by NARM or a successor or equivalent entity;

(v) develop practice standards for licensed certified professional midwives that shall include, but not be limited to: (A) the adoption of ethical standards for licensed certified professional midwives; (B) the maintenance of records of care, including client charts; (C) the participation in peer review; (D) the development of standardized informed consent forms; and (E) the development of a standardized written emergency transport plan forms relative to the timely transfer of a newborn or client to a hospital;

(vi) promulgate regulations that may require licensed certified professional midwives to have professional malpractice liability insurance or a suitable bond or other indemnity against liability for professional malpractice in such an amount as may be determined by the board;

(vii) establish and maintain records of its actions and proceedings in accordance with public records laws; and

(viii) adopt professional continuing education requirements for licensed certified professional midwives seeking renewal consistent with those maintained by NARM.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the board to promulgate regulations that require a licensed certified professional midwife to practice under the supervision of or in collaboration with another health care provider.