To update the rule with regard to physician consultations for patients with higher risk scores.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Council of Licensed Midwifery

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
64B24-7.004: Risk Assessment
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To update the rule with regard to physician consultations for patients with higher risk scores.
SUMMARY: With regard to risk assessment, if a client with a risk score of 3 or higher previously had a physician consultation for the same risk factors and there has been no change, another physician consultation is not required.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 456.004(5), 467.005 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 467.015 FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN FAW.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Christy Robinson, Acting Executive Director, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C06, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3256

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

64B24-7.004 Risk Assessment.

(1) For each patient, the licensed midwife shall assess risk status criteria for acceptance and continuation of care. The general health status and risk assessment shall be determined by the licensed midwife by obtaining a detailed medical history, performing a physical examination, and taking into account family circumstances along with social and psychological factors. The licensed midwife shall risk screen potential patients using the criteria in this section. If the risk factor score reaches 3 points the midwife shall consult with a physician who has obstetrical hospital privileges and if there is a joint determination that the patient can be expected to have a normal pregnancy, labor and delivery the midwife may provide services to the patient. When a client has a risk score of 3 or higher and has previously had a physician consultation for the identical risk factors in a prior pregnancy with no current changes in health or risk factors another consultation is not required.

(2) through (3) No change.

Specific Authority 456.004(5), 467.005 FS. Law Implemented 467.015 FS. History–New 7-14-94, Formerly 61E8-7.004, 59DD-7.004, Amended 9-11-02, 2-2-06,________

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Christy Robinson
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H.
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: January 9, 2009
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: November 26, 2008