SECTION 115.112. Termination of the Midwife-Client Relationship

A midwife shall terminate care of a client only in accordance with this section unless a transfer of care results from an emergency situation.

(1) Once the midwife has accepted a client, the relationship is ongoing and the midwife cannot refuse to continue to provide midwifery care to the client unless:

(A) the client has no need of further care;

(B) the client terminates the relationship; or

(C) the midwife formally terminates the relationship.

(2) The midwife may terminate care for any reason by:

(A) providing a minimum of 14 days written notice, during which the midwife shall continue to provide midwifery care;

(B) making an attempt to tell the client in person and in the presence of a witness of the midwife's wish to terminate care and the date that care will be terminated;

(C) providing a list of alternate health care providers; and

(D) documenting the termination of care in midwifery records.

(3) If a client elects not to accept a non-emergency transfer, the midwife shall:

(A) terminate the midwife-client relationship; or

(B) manage the client in collaboration with a physician or another licensed health care professional who has current obstetric or pediatric knowledge and who is working under the supervision and delegation of a physician.

Source Note: The provisions of this §115.112 adopted to be effective October 1, 2016, 41 TexReg 4477; amended to be effective May 1, 2019, 44 TexReg 1849