Miscellaneous provisions about midwifery
16Local supervision of midwifery practice
1
The following bodies shall be local supervising authorities for midwives—
a
in England, Regional Health Authorities ;
b
in Wales, Area Health Authorities ;
c
in Scotland, Health Boards ; and
d
in Northern Ireland, Health and Social Services Boards.
2
Each local supervising authority shall—
a
exercise general supervision, in accordance with rules under section 15, over all midwives practising within its area;
b
report any prima facie case of misconduct on the part of a midwife which arises in its area to the National Board for the part of the United Kingdom in which the authority acts;
c
have power in accordance with the Council's rules to suspend a midwife from practice.
3
The Council may by rules prescribe the qualifications of persons who may be appointed by a local supervising authority to exercise supervision over midwives within its area, and no person shall be so appointed who is not qualified in accordance with the rules.
4
The National Boards are responsible for providing the authorities with advice and guidance in respect of the exercise of their functions under this section.