Midwives provide an essential service for many families, offering care before, during, and after the birth of a child. People who use midwives experience countless benefits, including a lower risk of the need for a cesarean section, a reduced risk of premature birth, and an overall higher level of satisfaction with the quality of care they receive.

Those who offer midwife services have made the choice to provide families with the care they need during what is often the most exciting time of their lives. However, midwives should be sure to understand their licensing requirements in Wisconsin and be aware of any issues that may result in discipline to their license.

Requirements for Obtaining a Midwife License

Modern communications technology has provided many benefits to people, including the ability to consult with doctors and medical providers remotely. Wisconsin veterinarians may also have plans to implement these types of services, but they should be aware of potential licensing issues that may arise when doing so.

Establishing a VCPR

One of the key issues for veterinarians who provide telemedicine services is the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). The Veterinary Examining Board may only discipline a vet in cases regarding his or her treatment of an animal if he or she had established a VCPR with that animal.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was created to protect people’s privacy and ensure that their medical records are kept safe and secure. When doctors, nurses, hospitals, or other medical providers violate HIPAA rules, they can face serious penalties, including civil fines ranging from $100 for an unknowing violation to an annual maximum of $1.5 million for willful neglect that has not been corrected as well as potential criminal prosecution.

In addition to civil and criminal penalties, medical professionals who commit a HIPAA violation may face the loss of their Wisconsin medical license. In order to avoid these severe consequences, it is important to understand the potential ways a violation can occur and take steps to correct any existing issues.

Common HIPAA Violations