Transfer is the process by which a licensed midwife relinquishes care of the client for pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum, or care of the newborn to another healthcare professional who has current obstetric or pediatric knowledge and is either a physician licensed in Alabama or a neighboring state or a practitioner working in a valid collaborative agreement with such physician; or working in association with a licensed physician. A licensed midwife shall transfer care of a client in accordance with this section.

1. (a) Once a licensed midwife has formally accepted a client into care, the relationship is ongoing and the licensed midwife cannot refuse to continue to provide midwifery care without a formal transfer of care.

2. (b) During formal transfer of care, the licensed midwife shall

   1. 1. Provide a minimum of 30 days written notice, during which the licensed midwife shall continue to provide midwifery care, to enable the client to select another healthcare provider;
   2. 2. Provide recommendations for appropriate referrals; and
   3. 3. Document the transfer of care in the client’s medical record.

Author: Alabama State Board of Midwifery

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§34-19-14, et seq.

History: New Rule: Filed September 24, 2018; effective November 9, 2018.