Midwifery Question

[bella_autore]

I'm not sure if this is a blanket law, but I do know here in the south you have to have a doctor backing you if you want to practice as a midwife.

So my question is, if one was to obtain their doctorate in nursing would the need for the backing physician then be eliminated?

[gatherswool]

Here's some great info on what different states license NPs to do:

http://www.acnpweb.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3465

Each individual state determines who can prescribe, and who can prescribe what substances. Usually only MDs, DOs, DMDs, and DVMs have completely independent prescribing authority (each with its own specific limitations), though about 13 states and DC also grant this to APRNs. For example, NPs in Alabama cannot practice independently or prescribe anything other than OTCs, while NPs in Mississippi can practice and prescribe completely independently.

To the best of my knowledge, all states classify any nursing doctor (DNP, DNSc, PhD) the same way as any other APRN. Certainly IF/when the DNP becomes the minimum degree for practice, they'll all be seen as the same. (Along the same lines, becoming a doctor of clinical psychology lets you be called "doctor" -- in most states --, but it doesn't let you prescribe.)

CNM practice rules may be slightly different; it would probably pay to get in touch with a faculty member at one of your state's midwife schools to find out exactly what your state laws are.

[BluegrassRN]

Physician-backing depends upon the state. However, a DNP is not equivalent to an MD; so the DNP does not negate the need for physician-back up, if that state requires it.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Generally, CNMs are lumped in with all other advanced practice nurses, when it comes to a state's regulations. NY may be the exception, as they are the only state that has a separate governing body for CNMs.

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Moved to Certified Nurse-Midwives forum.

Hopefully you will get more replies here.

[obsydian]

No. Nursing doctorate does not change the scope of practice. A back up doctor is for when a client become high risk or need care that in not within the CNM scope of practice.