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Oregon Authorizes Midwives to Administer Specific Regulated Drugs
Salem, OR, March 20, 2002 -- Licensed midwives in Oregon will be allowed to dispense certain prescription drugs under new rules adopted recently.
The new rules are the result of changes in Oregon law passed during the 2001 Legislative Assembly. The legislature approved Senate Bill 730, expanding the scope of practitioners licensed by the Oregon Board of Direct Entry Midwifery.
A "direct entry" midwife is a health care practitioner educated in the discipline of midwifery through self-study, apprenticeship, a midwifery school, or a university-based program distinct from the discipline of nursing. Licensing for Oregon midwives is voluntary.
Senate Bill 730 grants licensed midwives the authority to "purchase and administer certain legend drugs and devices" with specific limitations. However, the bill left it to the Board of Direct Entry Midwifery to specify the exact restrictions under Oregon Administrative Rules. "Legend" drugs are those required by federal law to be labeled: "Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription."
The Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA), the agency that administers the licensing program, began the administrative rule review process in July of 2001, following the conclusion of the Legislative Assembly. Proposed rules were drafted through a collaborative effort involving the Board of Pharmacy, the Oregon Health Division, the Oregon Medical Association, physicians, midwives, and members of the Board of Direct Entry Midwifery. A public hearing was held on February 4 to receive public comment on the proposed rules. OHLA enforcement staff and the Oregon Medical Association suggested some changes in the language that was incorporated into the final rules.
The new administrative rules require an endorsement to the midwife's license. Before providing any of the specified legend drugs or devices, the license holder must complete 40 hours of additional training. The educational curriculum is specified in the administrative rules, and includes theory, hands-on practice, and competency testing. After April 2004, the additional training will be mandatory for all licensed midwives.
Only the drugs specified in the rules may be administered to mothers or newborns. Included are local anesthetics such as Xylocaine, anti-hemorrhagic (Pitocin, Methergine), and Erythromycin Ointment used in the eyes of newborn babies.
More information, including the complete text of the new rule, can be found on the Oregon Health Licensing Agency website at www.hlo.state.or.us .
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