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.