Module 10: Legal & Ethical Issues Review these Midwifery Strategies for Liability Risk Reduction

Question:

After reviewing the module readings, please answer the following questions:
1. What is vicariously liability? How would you approach a discussion with a potential
consulting/collaborating physician about vicarious liability?
2. Review these Midwifery Strategies for Liability Risk Reduction (http://www.midwife.org/MidwiferyStrategies­for­Liability­Risk­Reduction) . Many of these strategies involve informed consent. Next, review
Table 14­4 from your readings in the Ament text (reproduced below) and answer the following questions:
­ How can you improve your informed consent process with clients?
­ What is the role of documentation in informed consent discussions?
Key Elements of Informed Consent
1. Proposed treatment
2. Full and unbiased information
3. Use of language that is understood
4. Risks and benefits of each proposed action
5. Verification that information given was understood
6. Obtain consent to deny or proceed with proposed action
3. Discuss use of technology in maternity care as an ethical issue in midwifery.