Section 246-834-140. Curriculum.

(1) The basic curriculum shall be at least three academic years, and shall consist of both didactic and clinical instruction sufficient to meet the educational standards of the school and of chapter 18.50 RCW. However, the school may shorten the length of time for the program after consideration of the student's documented education and experience in the required subjects, if the applicant is a registered nurse under chapter 18.88 RCW, a licensed practical nurse under chapter 18.78 RCW, or has had previous nursing education or practical midwifery experience. The midwifery training shall not be reduced to a period of less than two academic years. Each student must undertake the care of not less than fifty women in each of the prenatal, intrapartum and early postpartum periods. The care of up to thirty five women in each of the periods may be undertaken as a part of previous nursing education or practical midwifery experience as defined in WAC 246-834-010(5). No less than fifteen women must be cared for in each period while enrolled in the school from which the student graduates. The student need not see the same women throughout each of the periods. A candidate for licensure must observe an additional fifty women in the intrapartum period in order to qualify for licensure. Up to thirty five of these observations may be as a part of previous nursing education or practical midwifery experience as defined in WAC 246-834-010(5). No less than fifteen women must be observed in the intrapartum period while enrolled in the school from which the student graduates.

(2) Each school must ensure that the students receive instructions in the following instruction area:

(a) Instruction in basic sciences (including biology, physiology, microbiology, anatomy with emphasis on female reproductive anatomy, genetics and embryology) normal and abnormal obstetrics and gynecology, family planning techniques, childbirth education, nutrition both during pregnancy and lactation, breast feeding, neonatology, epidemiology, community care, and medicolegal aspects of midwifery.

(b) Instruction in basic nursing skills and clinical skills, including but not limited to vital signs, perineal prep, enema, catheterization, aseptic techniques, administration of medications both orally and by injection, local infiltration for anesthesia, venipuncture, administration of intravenous fluids, infant and adult resuscitation, and charting.

(c) Clinical practice in midwifery which includes care of women in the prenatal, intrapartal and early postpartum periods, in compliance with RCW 18.50.040.

(3) Provision shall be made for systematic, periodic evaluation of the curriculum.

(4) Any proposed major curriculum revision shall be presented to the secretary at least three months prior to implementation.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.50.135 and 18.50.045. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-834-140, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-834-140, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.50.135. WSR 87-21-011 (Order PM 686), § 308-115-140, filed 10/9/87; WSR 85-23-044 (Order PL 566), § 308-115-140, filed 11/18/85; WSR 82-19-079 (Order PL 406), § 308-115-140, filed 9/21/82.]

RCW 18.50.135 and 18.50.045. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-834-140, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-834-140, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.50.135. WSR 87-21-011 (Order PM 686), § 308-115-140, filed 10/9/87; WSR 85-23-044 (Order PL 566), § 308-115-140, filed 11/18/85; WSR 82-19-079 (Order PL 406), § 308-115-140, filed 9/21/82.

Rules

246-834-010,246-834-010,