Which type of midwife in Minnesota can exclusively prescribe limited medications only?

In Minnesota, traditional midwives have specific legal parameters regarding the medications they can prescribe. They are recognized for providing care during pregnancy and childbirth primarily through non-medical means. However, when it comes to medication, traditional midwives are limited to prescribing only a select few medications that relate directly to their practice. This limited prescribing authority is distinctly defined by state regulations, allowing them to provide essential care while ensuring safety and addressing the unique needs of their patients.

On the other hand, nurse midwives have broader prescriptive authority, as they are licensed healthcare providers who have completed advanced training and are often involved in more comprehensive aspects of prenatal care and delivery. Clinical nurse specialists and medical assistants do not fit within the same framework for midwifery care and have different sets of responsibilities and legal rights concerning medication prescription.

Therefore, understanding the specific scope of practice for traditional midwives clarifies why this option is correct in the context of limited medication prescription in Minnesota.