{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-2957.04.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-2957.04.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-2957.04.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-2957.04.html"}],"law_id":83986,"edition_id":1,"section_id":83986,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.04","catch_line":"Licensure as a licensed certified midwife; practice as a licensed certified midwife; independent practice as a licensed certified midwife; use of title; required disclosures","history":"2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 200, 201; 2023, c. 183; 2025, cc. 544, 557.","full_text":"A\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any person to practice or to hold himself out as practicing as a licensed certified midwife or use in connection with his name the words “Licensed Certified Midwife” unless he holds a license as such issued jointly by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing.B\n\nThe Boards of Medicine and Nursing shall jointly adopt regulations for the licensure of licensed certified midwives, which shall include criteria for licensure and renewal of a license as a certified midwife that shall include a requirement that the applicant provide evidence satisfactory to the Boards of current certification as a certified midwife by the American Midwifery Certification Board and that shall be consistent with the requirements for certification as a certified midwife established by the American Midwifery Certification Board.C\n\nThe Boards of Medicine and Nursing may issue a license by endorsement to an applicant to practice as a licensed certified midwife if the applicant has been licensed as a certified midwife under the laws of another state and, pursuant to regulations of the Boards, the applicant meets the qualifications for licensure as a licensed certified midwife in the Commonwealth.D\n\nA licensed certified midwife who has practiced fewer than 1,000 hours shall practice in consultation with a licensed physician or independent practice midwife in accordance with a practice agreement between the licensed certified midwife and the licensed physician or independent practice midwife. Such practice agreement shall address the availability of the physician or independent practice midwife for routine and urgent consultation on patient care. Evidence of a practice agreement shall be maintained by the licensed certified midwife and provided to the Board upon request. A licensed certified midwife who has completed 1,000 hours of practice as a licensed certified midwife may practice without a practice agreement upon receipt by the licensed certified midwife of an attestation from the licensed physician or independent practice midwife with whom the licensed certified midwife has entered into a practice agreement stating (i) that such licensed physician or independent practice midwife has provided consultation to the licensed certified midwife pursuant to a practice agreement meeting the requirements of this section and (ii) the period of time for which such licensed physician or independent practice midwife practiced in collaboration and consultation with the licensed certified midwife pursuant to the practice agreement. A licensed certified midwife authorized to practice without a practice agreement shall consult, collaborate with, and refer patients to other health care providers as may be appropriate for the care of the patient. The Board shall adopt regulations for the practice of licensed certified midwives, which shall be in accordance with regulations jointly adopted by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing, which shall be consistent with the Standards for the Practice of Midwifery set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives governing the practice of midwifery.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this subsection, “independent practice midwife” means a licensed certified midwife who is authorized to practice without a practice agreement pursuant to this subsection and has practiced independently for two years or a certified nurse midwife who is authorized to practice without a practice agreement pursuant to subsection H of § 54.1-2957 and has practiced independently for two years.E\n\nNotwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, a licensed certified midwife may prescribe Schedules II through VI controlled substances in accordance with regulations of the Boards of Medicine and Nursing.F\n\nA licensed certified midwife who provides health care services to a patient outside of a hospital or birthing center shall disclose to that patient, when appropriate, information on health risks associated with births outside of a hospital or birthing center, including but not limited to risks associated with vaginal births after a prior cesarean section, breech births, births by women experiencing high-risk pregnancies, and births involving multiple gestation. As used in this subsection, “birthing center” shall have the same meaning as in § 54.1-2957.03.G\n\nA licensed certified midwife who provides health care to a patient shall be liable for the midwife’s negligent, grossly negligent, or willful and wanton acts or omissions. Except as otherwise provided by law, any (i) doctor of medicine or osteopathy who did not collaborate or consult with the midwife regarding the patient and who has not previously treated the patient for this pregnancy, (ii) physician assistant, (iii) advanced practice registered nurse, (iv) prehospital emergency medical personnel, or (v) hospital as defined in § 32.1-123, or any employee of, person providing services pursuant to a contract with, or agent of such hospital, that provides screening and stabilization health care services to a patient as a result of a licensed certified midwife’s negligent, grossly negligent, or willful and wanton acts or omissions shall be immune from liability for acts or omissions constituting ordinary negligence.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":301009,"text":"It shall be unlawful for any person to practice or to hold himself out as practicing as a licensed certified midwife or use in connection with his name the words “Licensed Certified Midwife” unless he holds a license as such issued jointly by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":301010,"text":"The Boards of Medicine and Nursing shall jointly adopt regulations for the licensure of licensed certified midwives, which shall include criteria for licensure and renewal of a license as a certified midwife that shall include a requirement that the applicant provide evidence satisfactory to the Boards of current certification as a certified midwife by the American Midwifery Certification Board and that shall be consistent with the requirements for certification as a certified midwife established by the American Midwifery Certification Board.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":301011,"text":"The Boards of Medicine and Nursing may issue a license by endorsement to an applicant to practice as a licensed certified midwife if the applicant has been licensed as a certified midwife under the laws of another state and, pursuant to regulations of the Boards, the applicant meets the qualifications for licensure as a licensed certified midwife in the Commonwealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":301012,"text":"A licensed certified midwife who has practiced fewer than 1,000 hours shall practice in consultation with a licensed physician or independent practice midwife in accordance with a practice agreement between the licensed certified midwife and the licensed physician or independent practice midwife. Such practice agreement shall address the availability of the physician or independent practice midwife for routine and urgent consultation on patient care. Evidence of a practice agreement shall be maintained by the licensed certified midwife and provided to the Board upon request. A licensed certified midwife who has completed 1,000 hours of practice as a licensed certified midwife may practice without a practice agreement upon receipt by the licensed certified midwife of an attestation from the licensed physician or independent practice midwife with whom the licensed certified midwife has entered into a practice agreement stating (i) that such licensed physician or independent practice midwife has provided consultation to the licensed certified midwife pursuant to a practice agreement meeting the requirements of this section and (ii) the period of time for which such licensed physician or independent practice midwife practiced in collaboration and consultation with the licensed certified midwife pursuant to the practice agreement. A licensed certified midwife authorized to practice without a practice agreement shall consult, collaborate with, and refer patients to other health care providers as may be appropriate for the care of the patient. The Board shall adopt regulations for the practice of licensed certified midwives, which shall be in accordance with regulations jointly adopted by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing, which shall be consistent with the Standards for the Practice of Midwifery set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives governing the practice of midwifery.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this subsection, “independent practice midwife” means a licensed certified midwife who is authorized to practice without a practice agreement pursuant to this subsection and has practiced independently for two years or a certified nurse midwife who is authorized to practice without a practice agreement pursuant to subsection H of § 54.1-2957 and has practiced independently for two years.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":301013,"text":"Notwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, a licensed certified midwife may prescribe Schedules II through VI controlled substances in accordance with regulations of the Boards of Medicine and Nursing.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":301014,"text":"A licensed certified midwife who provides health care services to a patient outside of a hospital or birthing center shall disclose to that patient, when appropriate, information on health risks associated with births outside of a hospital or birthing center, including but not limited to risks associated with vaginal births after a prior cesarean section, breech births, births by women experiencing high-risk pregnancies, and births involving multiple gestation. As used in this subsection, “birthing center” shall have the same meaning as in § 54.1-2957.03.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":301015,"text":"A licensed certified midwife who provides health care to a patient shall be liable for the midwife’s negligent, grossly negligent, or willful and wanton acts or omissions. Except as otherwise provided by law, any (i) doctor of medicine or osteopathy who did not collaborate or consult with the midwife regarding the patient and who has not previously treated the patient for this pregnancy, (ii) physician assistant, (iii) advanced practice registered nurse, (iv) prehospital emergency medical personnel, or (v) hospital as defined in § 32.1-123, or any employee of, person providing services pursuant to a contract with, or agent of such hospital, that provides screening and stabilization health care services to a patient as a result of a licensed certified midwife’s negligent, grossly negligent, or willful and wanton acts or omissions shall be immune from liability for acts or omissions constituting ordinary negligence.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14243,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licensure and Certification of Other Practitioners of the Healing Arts","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12759,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:26","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:26","permalink":{"id":242191,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14243,"identifier":"4","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4","url":"\/54.1\/III\/29\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12759,"edition_id":1,"name":"Medicine and Other Healing Arts","identifier":"29","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241933,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12759,"identifier":"29","token":"54.1\/III\/29","url":"\/54.1\/III\/29\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":83532,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2942","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2942\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2942","metadata":false},{"id":78472,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2949","catch_line":"License required","url":"\/54.1-2949\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2949","metadata":false},{"id":81411,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2950","catch_line":"Requisite training and educational achievements of assistants","url":"\/54.1-2950\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2950","metadata":false},{"id":64376,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2950.1","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Physician Assistants; 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requisite training and educational requirements; powers of the Board concerning athletic training","url":"\/54.1-2957.4\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.4","metadata":false},{"id":74771,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.5","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Athletic Training established; duties; composition; appointment; terms","url":"\/54.1-2957.5\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.5","metadata":false},{"id":74486,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.6","catch_line":"Exceptions to athletic trainer licensure","url":"\/54.1-2957.6\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.6","metadata":false},{"id":58401,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.7","catch_line":"Licensed midwife and practice of midwifery; definitions","url":"\/54.1-2957.7\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.7","metadata":false},{"id":56270,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.8","catch_line":"Licensure of midwives; requisite training and educational requirements; fees","url":"\/54.1-2957.8\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.8","metadata":false},{"id":65541,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.9","catch_line":"Regulation of the practice of midwifery","url":"\/54.1-2957.9\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":79127,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.03","catch_line":"Certified nurse midwives; required disclosures; liability","url":"\/54.1-2957.03\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.03","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":82482,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2957.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-2957.04\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2023, chapter 183<\/a>; in 2025, chapters 544<\/a> and 557<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":64164,"section_number":"54.1-2957","catch_line":"Licensure and practice of advanced practice registered nurses; certified nurse midwives; independent practice of certified nurse midwives","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2957\/"},{"id":85523,"section_number":"54.1-3005","catch_line":"Specific powers and duties of Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3005\/"},{"id":85347,"section_number":"54.1-3303","catch_line":"Prescriptions to be issued and drugs to be dispensed for medical or therapeutic purposes only","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3303\/"},{"id":77665,"section_number":"54.1-3408","catch_line":"Professional use by practitioners","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3408\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":80727,"section_number":"32.1-123","catch_line":"(Effective January 1, 2026) Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-123\/"},{"id":64164,"section_number":"54.1-2957","catch_line":"Licensure and practice of advanced practice registered nurses; certified nurse midwives; independent practice of certified nurse midwives","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2957\/"}],"permalink":{"id":242353,"object_type":"law","relational_id":83986,"identifier":"54.1-2957.04","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.04","url":"\/54.1-2957.04\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-2957.04\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.04","dublin_core":{"Title":"Licensure as a licensed certified midwife; practice as a licensed certified midwife; independent practice as a licensed certified midwife; use of title; required disclosures","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-2957.04","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for any person to practice or to hold himself out as practicing as a licensed certified midwife<\/span> or use in connection with his name the words “Licensed Certified Midwife<\/span>” unless he holds a license as such issued jointly by the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing shall jointly adopt regulations for the licensure of licensed certified midwives, which shall include criteria for licensure and renewal of a license as a certified midwife that shall include a requirement that the applicant provide evidence<\/span> satisfactory to the Boards<\/span> of current certification as a certified midwife by the American Midwifery Certification Board<\/span> and that shall be consistent with the requirements for certification as a certified midwife established by the American Midwifery Certification Board<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing may issue<\/span> a license by endorsement to an applicant to practice as a licensed certified midwife<\/span> if the applicant has been licensed as a certified midwife under the laws<\/span> of another state and, pursuant to regulations of the Boards<\/span>, the applicant meets the qualifications for licensure as a licensed certified midwife<\/span> in the Commonwealth. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A licensed certified midwife<\/span> who has practiced fewer than 1,000 hours shall practice in consultation<\/span> with a licensed physician or independent practice midwife<\/span> in accordance with a practice agreement between the licensed certified midwife<\/span> and the licensed physician or independent practice midwife<\/span>. Such practice agreement shall address the availability of the physician or independent practice midwife<\/span> for routine and urgent consultation<\/span> on patient care. Evidence<\/span> of a practice agreement shall be maintained by the licensed certified midwife<\/span> and provided to the Board<\/span> upon request. A licensed certified midwife<\/span> who has completed 1,000 hours of practice as a licensed certified midwife<\/span> may practice without a practice agreement upon receipt by the licensed certified midwife<\/span> of an attestation from the licensed physician or independent practice midwife<\/span> with whom the licensed certified midwife<\/span> has entered into a practice agreement stating (i) that such licensed physician or independent practice midwife<\/span> has provided consultation<\/span> to the licensed certified midwife<\/span> pursuant to a practice agreement meeting the requirements of this section and (ii) the period of time for which such licensed physician or independent practice midwife<\/span> practiced in collaboration<\/span> and consultation<\/span> with the licensed certified midwife<\/span> pursuant to the practice agreement. A licensed certified midwife<\/span> authorized to practice without a practice agreement shall consult, collaborate with, and refer patients to other health care providers as may be appropriate for the care of the patient. The Board<\/span> shall adopt regulations for the practice of licensed certified midwives, which shall be in accordance with regulations jointly adopted by the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing, which shall be consistent with the Standards for the Practice of Midwifery set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives governing the practice of midwifery.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this subsection, “independent practice midwife<\/span>” means a licensed certified midwife<\/span> who is authorized to practice without a practice agreement pursuant to this subsection and has practiced independently for two years or a certified nurse midwife<\/span> who is authorized to practice without a practice agreement pursuant to subsection H of § 54.1-2957<\/a> and has practiced independently for two years. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Notwithstanding any provision of law<\/span> or regulation to the contrary, a licensed certified midwife<\/span> may prescribe Schedules<\/span> II through VI controlled substances in accordance with regulations of the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> A licensed certified midwife<\/span> who provides health care services to a patient outside of a hospital or birthing center shall disclose to that patient, when appropriate, information on health risks associated with births outside of a hospital or birthing center, including but not limited to risks associated with vaginal births after a prior cesarean section, breech births, births by women experiencing high-risk pregnancies, and births involving multiple gestation. As used in this subsection, “birthing center” shall have the same meaning as in § 54.1-2957.03<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> A licensed certified midwife<\/span> who provides health care to a patient shall be liable for the midwife’s negligent, grossly negligent, or willful and wanton acts or omissions. Except as otherwise provided by law<\/span>, any (i) doctor of medicine or osteopathy who did not collaborate or consult with the midwife regarding the patient and who has not previously treated the patient for this pregnancy, (ii) physician assistant<\/span>, (iii) advanced practice registered nurse<\/span>, (iv) prehospital emergency medical personnel, or (v) hospital as defined in § 32.1-123<\/a>, or any employee of, person providing services pursuant to a contract<\/span> with, or agent of such hospital, that provides screening and stabilization health care services to a patient as a result of a licensed certified midwife<\/span>’s negligent, grossly negligent, or willful and wanton acts or omissions shall be immune from liability for acts or omissions constituting ordinary negligence<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLICENSURE AS A LICENSED CERTIFIED MIDWIFE; PRACTICE AS A LICENSED CERTIFIED\nMIDWIFE; INDEPENDENT PRACTICE AS A LICENSED CERTIFIED MIDWIFE; USE OF TITLE;\nREQUIRED DISCLOSURES (\u00a7 54.1-2957.04)\n\nA. It shall be unlawful for any person to practice or to hold himself out as\npracticing as a licensed certified midwife or use in connection with his name\nthe words “Licensed Certified Midwife” unless he holds a license as\nsuch issued jointly by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing.\n\nB. The Boards of Medicine and Nursing shall jointly adopt regulations for the\nlicensure of licensed certified midwives, which shall include criteria for\nlicensure and renewal of a license as a certified midwife that shall include a\nrequirement that the applicant provide evidence satisfactory to the Boards of\ncurrent certification as a certified midwife by the American Midwifery\nCertification Board and that shall be consistent with the requirements for\ncertification as a certified midwife established by the American Midwifery\nCertification Board.\n\nC. The Boards of Medicine and Nursing may issue a license by endorsement to an\napplicant to practice as a licensed certified midwife if the applicant has been\nlicensed as a certified midwife under the laws of another state and, pursuant to\nregulations of the Boards, the applicant meets the qualifications for licensure\nas a licensed certified midwife in the Commonwealth.\n\nD. A licensed certified midwife who has practiced fewer than 1,000 hours shall\npractice in consultation with a licensed physician or independent practice\nmidwife in accordance with a practice agreement between the licensed certified\nmidwife and the licensed physician or independent practice midwife. Such\npractice agreement shall address the availability of the physician or\nindependent practice midwife for routine and urgent consultation on patient\ncare. Evidence of a practice agreement shall be maintained by the licensed\ncertified midwife and provided to the Board upon request. A licensed certified\nmidwife who has completed 1,000 hours of practice as a licensed certified\nmidwife may practice without a practice agreement upon receipt by the licensed\ncertified midwife of an attestation from the licensed physician or independent\npractice midwife with whom the licensed certified midwife has entered into a\npractice agreement stating (i) that such licensed physician or independent\npractice midwife has provided consultation to the licensed certified midwife\npursuant to a practice agreement meeting the requirements of this section and\n(ii) the period of time for which such licensed physician or independent\npractice midwife practiced in collaboration and consultation with the licensed\ncertified midwife pursuant to the practice agreement. A licensed certified\nmidwife authorized to practice without a practice agreement shall consult,\ncollaborate with, and refer patients to other health care providers as may be\nappropriate for the care of the patient. The Board shall adopt regulations for\nthe practice of licensed certified midwives, which shall be in accordance with\nregulations jointly adopted by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing, which shall\nbe consistent with the Standards for the Practice of Midwifery set by the\nAmerican College of Nurse-Midwives governing the practice of midwifery.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this subsection, “independent practice\nmidwife” means a licensed certified midwife who is authorized to practice\nwithout a practice agreement pursuant to this subsection and has practiced\nindependently for two years or a certified nurse midwife who is authorized to\npractice without a practice agreement pursuant to subsection H of §\n54.1-2957 and has practiced independently for two years.\n\nE. Notwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, a\nlicensed certified midwife may prescribe Schedules II through VI controlled\nsubstances in accordance with regulations of the Boards of Medicine and Nursing.\n\nF. A licensed certified midwife who provides health care services to a patient\noutside of a hospital or birthing center shall disclose to that patient, when\nappropriate, information on health risks associated with births outside of a\nhospital or birthing center, including but not limited to risks associated with\nvaginal births after a prior cesarean section, breech births, births by women\nexperiencing high-risk pregnancies, and births involving multiple gestation. As\nused in this subsection, “birthing center” shall have the same\nmeaning as in § 54.1-2957.03.\n\nG. A licensed certified midwife who provides health care to a patient shall be\nliable for the midwife’s negligent, grossly negligent, or willful and\nwanton acts or omissions. Except as otherwise provided by law, any (i) doctor of\nmedicine or osteopathy who did not collaborate or consult with the midwife\nregarding the patient and who has not previously treated the patient for this\npregnancy, (ii) physician assistant, (iii) advanced practice registered nurse,\n(iv) prehospital emergency medical personnel, or (v) hospital as defined in\n§ 32.1-123, or any employee of, person providing services pursuant to a\ncontract with, or agent of such hospital, that provides screening and\nstabilization health care services to a patient as a result of a licensed\ncertified midwife’s negligent, grossly negligent, or willful and wanton\nacts or omissions shall be immune from liability for acts or omissions\nconstituting ordinary negligence.\n\nHISTORY: 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 200, 201; 2023, c. 183; 2025, cc. 544, 557.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}