Midwife Medical Malpractice and Connecticut Laws

Pregnant women in Connecticut have choices when it comes to obstetric care. They can chose to be seen by a OB/GYN, a medical doctor with specialized training in caring for and treating pregnant women and their babies, or a nurse midwife. According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, there are many pathways to obtaining midwife credentials and many legally-recognized credentials.

Nurse midwives are overseen in Connecticut by the Department of Public Health. The DPH requirements for obtaining a license to practice midwifery in Connecticut are eligibility for a CT registered nurse (RN) license; certification from the American College of Nurse-Midwives; and, completion of 30 hours of pharmacology education.

Nurse midwives, like obstetrician/gynecologists, can be susceptible to medical malpractice claims under Connecticut law, by:

• Failure to refer a patient to a medical doctor when the medical situation requires such referral. Nurse midwives in Connecticut are required to work with a licensed OB/GYN.
• Failure to properly prescribe appropriate medications and at the proper dosages.
• Failure to properly manage the healthcare needs of his/her patients.

Much like an OB/GYN, if a nurse midwife made a mistake, the results could be dire including permanent injury to both mother and child, and death. If you question the level of care you received from a nurse-midwife, call our office immediately. Our nurse/attorney, Gayle Sullivan, and doctor/attorney, Robert Messey, will begin an immediate medical and legal investigation into your injury.