SECTION 115.118. Administration of Oxygen

(a) A midwife is not required to use oxygen but remains responsible for assessing the client and newborn, recommending referral, and recommending transfer or transport of the mother and newborn.

(b) This section establishes that:

(1) intrapartum oxygen may be administered to the mother for the following:

(A) fetal heart rate irregularities while assessing for consultation and/or possible transfer;

(B) cord prolapse prior to transport;

(C) signs or symptoms of maternal shock or hemorrhage prior to transport;

(D) as indicated by American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Guidelines; or

(E) other situations not listed above and deemed necessary according to generally accepted standards of midwifery practice to protect the health and well-being of the mother or fetus;

(2) postpartum oxygen may be administered while monitoring according to the Midwifery Practice Standards and Principles:

(A) to the newborn during the initial neonatal period at a rate concurrent with American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation guidelines; or

(B) to the mother and/or newborn in other situations not listed above and deemed necessary according to generally accepted standards of midwifery practice to protect the health and well-being of the mother and/or newborn;

(3) indications for administration of oxygen shall be clearly documented in the midwifery record.

(c) Midwives are authorized to purchase equipment and supplies listed in the American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Guidelines and the American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Guidelines for the administration of oxygen.

Source Note: The provisions of this §115.118 adopted to be effective October 1, 2016, 41 TexReg 4477; amended to be effective May 1, 2019, 44 TexReg 1849