Traditional Midwifery in Oregon
Are you a Traditional Midwife in accordance with Oregon Revised Statute 687.415?
On January 1, 2015, the new Board of Direct Entry Midwifery law under Oregon Revised Statutes 687.415 went into effect that requires persons performing midwifery duties in Oregon to be licensed by the State of Oregon unless:
- The person is already licensed as a health care professional with midwifery duties within the scope or the license; or
- The person is a traditional midwife.
The Oregon statutes recognize a category of midwives called "Traditional Midwives". Oregon law allows a person to practice direct entry midwifery as a traditional midwife without a license if that person complies with certain requirements.
What are the requirements for being a Traditional Midwife?
According to Oregon Revised Statute 687.415, a person can practice direct entry midwifery without a license as a traditional midwife if the person:
- Does not use legend drugs and devices (a license is required to use legend drugs and devices in Oregon);
- Does not advertise as a midwife; and
- Provides a Board approved disclosure statement to every client.
Under Oregon Administrative Rule 332-025-0125, the Board has prescribed a specific Traditional Midwife Information Disclosure Form that a midwife must give to each client and have each client sign. A copy must be retained in the client's record.
What is Direct Entry Midwifery?
Oregon Law defines "Direct Entry Midwifery" as providing the following services for compensation:
- Supervision of the conduct of labor and childbirth;
- Providing advice to a parent as to the progress of childbirth;
- Rendering prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care; and
- Making newborn assessments.
Please see our Direct Entry Midwifery Practitioner Information page for more information.