Office of the Revisor of Statutes
2025 Minnesota Statutes
148G.03 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.Scope.
For purposes of this chapter, the definitions in this section have the meanings given.
Subd. 3.Certification.
"Certification" means the formal recognition by the American Midwifery Certification Board of the knowledge, skills, and experience demonstrated by the achievement of standards identified by the American College of Nurse Midwives or any successor organization.
Subd. 4.Certified midwife.
"Certified midwife" means an individual who holds a current and valid national certification as a certified midwife from the American Midwifery Certification Board or any successor organization and who is licensed by the board under this chapter.
Subd. 5.Certified midwifery practice.
"Certified midwifery practice" means:
(1) managing, diagnosing, and treating women's primary health care beginning in adolescence, including pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, care of the newborn, family planning, partner care management relating to sexual health, and gynecological care of women;
(2) ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting diagnostic studies within the scope of certified midwifery practice, excluding:
(i) interpreting and performing specialized ultrasound examinations; and
(ii) interpreting computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging scans, positron emission tomography scans, nuclear scans, and mammography;
(3) prescribing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies appropriate to midwifery practice;
(4) consulting with, collaborating with, or referring to other health care providers as warranted by the needs of the patient; and
(5) performing the role of educator in the theory and practice of midwifery.
Subd. 6.Collaborating.
"Collaborating" means the process in which two or more health care professionals work together to meet the health care needs of a patient, as warranted by the needs of the patient.
Subd. 7.Consulting.
"Consulting" means the process in which a certified midwife who maintains primary management responsibility for a patient's care seeks advice or opinion of a physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, or another member of the health care team.
Subd. 8.Encumbered.
"Encumbered" means:
(1) a license or other credential that is revoked, is suspended, or contains limitations on the full and unrestricted practice of certified midwifery when the revocation, suspension, or limitation is imposed by a state licensing board or other state regulatory entity; or
(2) a license or other credential that is voluntarily surrendered.
Subd. 9.Licensure period.
"Licensure period" means the interval of time during which the certified midwife is authorized to engage in certified midwifery. The initial licensure period is from six to 29 full calendar months starting on the day of licensure and ending on the last day of the certified midwife's month of birth in an even-numbered year if the year of birth is an even-numbered year, or in an odd-numbered year if the year of birth is an odd-numbered year. Subsequent licensure renewal periods are 24 months. For licensure renewal, the period starts on the first day of the month following expiration of the previous licensure period. The period ends the last day of the certified midwife's month of birth in an even- or odd-numbered year according to the certified midwife's year of birth.
Subd. 10.Licensed practitioner.
"Licensed practitioner" means a physician licensed under chapter 147, an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under sections 148.171 to 148.235, or a certified midwife licensed under this chapter.
Subd. 11.Midwifery education program.
"Midwifery education program" means a program of theory and practice offered by a university or college that leads to the preparation and eligibility for certification in midwifery and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education or any successor organization recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Subd. 12.Patient.
"Patient" means a recipient of care provided by a certified midwife within the scope of certified midwifery practice, including an individual, family, group, or community.
Subd. 13.Prescribing.
"Prescribing" means the act of generating a prescription for the preparation of, use of, or manner of using a drug or therapeutic device under section 148G.09. Prescribing does not include recommending the use of a drug or therapeutic device that is not required by the federal Food and Drug Administration to meet the labeling requirements for prescription drugs and devices.
Subd. 14.Prescription.
"Prescription" means a written direction or an oral direction reduced to writing provided to or for a patient for the preparation or use of a drug or therapeutic device. The requirements of section 151.01, subdivisions 16, 16a, and 16b, apply to prescriptions for drugs.
Subd. 15.Referral.
"Referral" means the process in which a certified midwife directs a patient to a physician or another health care professional for management of a particular problem or aspect of the patient's care.
Subd. 16.Supervision.
"Supervision" means monitoring and establishing the initial direction of, setting expectations for, directing activities in, evaluating, and changing a course of action in certified midwifery care.
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