LAC 46:XLV.5309. Disclosures; Acceptance of Clients [Formerly §5315]

A. Prior to the acceptance of a client for care, a licensed midwife practitioner shall inform the client orally and in writing of the following disclosures: 1. certain risks and benefits exist for home birth and certain risks and benefits exist for other childbirth alternatives, (including hospital, physician-assisted birth). The midwife is responsible for informing the client of the risks and benefits of all childbirth options to ensure informed consent; 2. regular documented antepartum care by the licensed midwife or another licensed health care provider is required if the midwife is to attend the birth; 3. certain medical conditions and/or client noncompliance with midwife or physician recommendations, as described in §§5315, 5339 and 5353 of this Chapter, may preclude midwife attendance at birth or continued midwife care during any phase of the pregnancy; 4. emergency transport may be required in certain situations; the midwife shall explain what situations warrant emergency transport and the hazards involved; 5. a specific written consent for out-of-hospital birth with the licensed midwife practitioner must be obtained prior to the onset of labor; 6. the client will be provided with a copy of the labor, birth, and newborn record by the midwife; 7. the midwife's agreement can be terminated at any time that the midwife deems it necessary for maintenance of the client's mental and physical safety or for compliance with these rules. When termination occurs, the reasons for termination will be given in writing and an alternative source of care recommended; and 8. the client may terminate the agreement at any time. B. Prior to accepting care for a client, the midwife shall consult with the physician who performed the physician evaluation and examination to ensure that the client is at low or normal risk for pregnancy. C. After accepting care, the midwife shall obtain a detailed obstetric and medical history of the client; including the results of all tests conducted during the physician evaluation and examination once available.