Eytons' Earth: Natural & Alternative Medicine

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Hello Midwifery Supporters!

After last year's amazing victory, many of you may be feeling that the battle has been won and there is no more need to focus your attention on legislation. NOT SO!!! Last year was just the beginning...there are a few bills moving through the 2006 Virginia General Assembly that are relevant to the continued promotion of the Midwives Model of Care. Even if you have access to your choice of maternity provider today, there is much work still to be done to ensure that your options will still be available tomorrow and in the future for generations to come.

PLEASE CALL THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOTLINE RIGHT NOW!!!! (800) 889-0229 (outside Richmond) or 698-1990 (Richmond area)

The midwivespac has listed 2 bills and two budget amendments as top priority for support. You can make one call to the hotline and register your support for all initiatives at once.

They are: HB 1110, SB 488, and Budget amendments 293 9h/12s and 293 10h/10s

Read on below for information about these bills. You can also link to the midwivespac website: www.midwivespac.org to get updates on legislation.

Thanks for your continued successful efforts for midwifery in Virginia!

Brynne Potter, CPM
chair, midwivespac

HB 1110 Physicians; immunity thereof for failing to review or act on any laboratory tests, etc., exception.

Summary as introduced:
Immunity of physicians for laboratory results and examinations. Moves to a new Code section a provision that a physician is not liable for failing to review or act on any laboratory tests or examinations that he did not authorize or request unless the report of the test results is provided directly to the physician by the patient with a request for consultation. The provision is slightly modified to exclude test results sent by the Department of Health. The bill provides that the liability exemption does not apply if three conditions exist; these conditions include managing active treatment, actual knowledge that the test results are pending or awaiting action by the physician, and the physician is reasonably qualified to interpret and manage the results of the test or examination.


Why Support: Liability (and perception of liability) is the leading cause of concern among physicians who are asked to support midwifery care. Midwifery consumers who wish to seek medical or diagnostic care during their pregnancy are often refused by obstetricians. This bill recognizes the growing need to acknowledge self-directed care by many Virginia citizens without increasing liability for primary physicians. Support from the midwifery community will NOT go unnoticed by medical lobbyists. This is a great opportunity to shift perception away from an US vs. THEM perspective.

SB 488 Certified nurse midwives; clarifies relationship with licensed physicians.

Summary as introduced:
Certified nurse midwives. Clarifies the relationship between licensed physicians and nurse practitioners, categorized as certified nurse midwives, as one of collaboration and consultation, rather than as one of supervision. The bill also directs the Board of Medicine and the Board of Nursing to jointly promulgate regulations specifying collaboration and consultation to include (i) participation in the development of a written protocol, (ii) development of guidelines for availability and ongoing communications which provide for and define consultation among the collaborating parties and the patient, and (iii) periodic joint evaluation of services delivered.

Why Support: Certified Nurse Midwives across the Commonwealth have faced sudden and unexpected termination when physician owned practices are closed down for undisclosed reasons. This bill would allow for CNMs to own their own practices, while still working in collaboration with physicians. This would potentially bring an end to mothers losing their provider of choice midway through their pregnancies, which has happen twice this year in Richmond. Healthy maternity systems involve having access to midwifery care in every setting.

Budget amendments 293 9h/12s and 293 10h/10s.

Summary as introduced:
Will add funds to support the start-up and operation of two pilot project birthing centers, pursuant to Chapter 926,2005 Acts of Assembly.

Why Support: These birthing centers will operate in Emporia and on the Northern Neck to replace the loss of obstetrical services in these regions. Women from these areas currently must travel over 2 hours for prenatal and delivery services.
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Alisa McAffee,
Waterbirth Supplies and Labor Tub Rentals in Las Vegas, NV
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