.01 Definitions.

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Abandonment" means:

(a) The unilateral termination of the licensed direct-entry midwife-client relationship by the direct-entry midwife without reasonable notice;

(b) Failure of the licensed direct-entry midwife to:

(i) Provide the client with a referral to an appropriate health care professional; or

(ii) Make reasonable arrangements with an appropriate and qualified healthcare professional to assume care for the client; and

(c) Leaving a client in the intrapartum period without properly terminating care and ensuring adequate care for the mother and unborn child.

(2) "Board" means the Maryland Board of Nursing.

(3) "Client" means:

(a) An individual for whom a licensed direct-entry midwife performs services; and

(b) The individual's​​ newborn for the purpose of perinatal or postpartum care.

(4) "Electronic devices" means, but is not limited to, any of the following:

(a) Telephones with recording and picture-taking ability;

(b) Digital cameras or any other device that can record pictures and data;

(c) Facsimile machines, photocopiers, and scanners for copying; and

(d) Recording devices.

(5) "Licensee" means a holder of a license issued by the Board to practice direct-entry midwifery in Maryland in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §8-6C-01, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(6) "Social media" means any form of electronic communication, including, but not limited to, communication by use of websites for social networking and blogging through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content such as videos. ​