Part VII. Disciplinary Provisions
18VAC90-70-240. Grounds for disciplinary action against the license of a certified midwife.
The boards may deny licensure or relicensure, revoke or suspend the license, or place on probation, censure, reprimand, or impose a monetary penalty on a licensed certified midwife for the following unprofessional conduct:
1. Has had licensure to practice midwifery in this Commonwealth or in another jurisdiction revoked or suspended or otherwise disciplined;
2. Has directly or indirectly held himself out or represented himself to the public as a physician or is able to, or will practice independently of a physician;
3. Has performed procedures or techniques that are outside the scope of practice as a licensed certified midwife and for which the licensed certified midwife is not trained and individually competent;
4. Has violated or cooperated in the violation of the laws or regulations governing the practice of medicine, nursing, or certified midwifery;
5. Has become unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety as the result of physical or mental illness or the excessive use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material;
6. Has violated or cooperated with others in violating or attempting to violate any law or regulation, state or federal, relating to the possession, use, dispensing, administration, or distribution of drugs;
7. Has failed to comply with continuing competency requirements as set forth in 18VAC90-70-90;
8. Has willfully or negligently breached the confidentiality between a practitioner and a patient. A breach of confidentiality that is required or permitted by applicable law or beyond the control of the practitioner shall not be considered negligent or willful;
9. Has engaged in unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information received from the Prescription Monitoring Program; or
10. Has practiced as a licensed certified midwife during a time when the practitioner's certification as a certified midwife by the American Midwifery Certification Board has lapsed.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.04 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 40, Issue 10 eff. January 31, 2024.
18VAC90-70-250. Hearings.
A. The provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) shall govern proceedings on questions of violation of 18VAC90-70-240.
B. The Committee of the Joint Boards of Nursing and Medicine shall conduct all proceedings prescribed in this chapter and shall take action on behalf of the boards.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.04 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 40, Issue 10 eff. January 31, 2024.
18VAC90-70-260. Delegation of proceedings.
A. Decision to delegate. In accordance with subdivision 10 of § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia, the committee may delegate an informal fact-finding proceeding to an agency subordinate.
B. Criteria for delegation. Cases that involve intentional or negligent conduct that caused serious injury or harm to a patient may not be delegated to an agency subordinate, except as may be approved by the chair of the committee.
C. Criteria for an agency subordinate.
1. An agency subordinate authorized by the committee to conduct an informal fact-finding proceeding may include current or past board members, professional staff, or other persons deemed knowledgeable by virtue of their training and experience in administrative proceedings involving the regulation and discipline of health professionals.
2. The Executive Director of the Board of Nursing shall maintain a list of appropriately qualified persons to whom an informal fact-finding proceeding may be delegated.
3. The committee may delegate to the executive director the selection of the agency subordinate who is deemed appropriately qualified to conduct a proceeding based on the qualifications of the subordinate and the type of case being heard.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.04 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 40, Issue 10 eff. January 31, 2024.