Can midwives prescriptively manage non-controlled medications?

Midwives are health care providers trained to assist in childbirth and provide care for maternity patients. In many states, their scope of practice varies greatly depending on state laws and regulations.

In Iowa, midwives are typically not authorized to prescribe medications, including non-controlled substances, unless they are specifically licensed to do so, such as nurse-midwives who hold advanced practice nursing licenses. This limitation is rooted in the regulatory framework that governs their practice, which emphasizes their roles in providing care rather than prescribing.

Choosing "B" reflects the understanding that midwives, without specific additional certification or licensing, do not have the authority to manage non-controlled medications prescriptively. This helps maintain the safety and standards of care for patients who may require complex medication management that typically falls within the purview of physician or advanced practice roles equipped with the necessary training and authority.