By selecting “Agree”, the Client acknowledges having read, understood, and consents to the following terms, in accordance with applicable Australian and Queensland law.

 

1. Scope of Midwifery Services & Informed Consent

1. The Client grants consent to Midwife Marde Swan (an Endorsed Midwife under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Queensland), section 94) to:
- Provide primary antenatal and postnatal care in accordance with Queensland Health clinical guidelines.
- Operate under a shared-care model with Cairns Hospital, including referral and communication as primary midwife.
- Conduct fetal monitoring via formal ultrasound, bedside ultrasound and Doppler, and order pathology tests as medically indicated.

 

2. Midwife Swan agrees to:
- Practice strictly in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Midwives, ACM standards, and AHPRA regulatory requirements, as mandated under the National Law Queensland Health+15nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au+15Queensland Legislation+15Queensland Health+7Queensland Health+7Queensland Health+7Queensland Legislation.
- Escalate medical concerns consistent with ACM referral and collaboration guidelines, maintaining patient safety and professional responsibility.

 

3. Informed consent obtained shall comply with:
- The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights and National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, requiring valid, voluntary, and appropriately timed consent for all interventions Safety and Quality in Health Care+1.
- ALRC guidance on clear, express consent and avoidance of bundled consent practices ALRC.

 

2. Client Obligations

1. The Client commits to actively participate by:
- Attending all scheduled consultations and investigations on time.
- Receiving and following a Pregnancy Pathway provided at the initial appointment.
2. The Client will promptly report antenatal or postnatal concerns via text or phone.
3. If the Client declines medical advice or professional recommendations, they will sign a Record of Understanding acknowledging assumed risk and indemnifying the Midwife.

 

3. Termination of Care

1. Midwifery care concludes naturally at six (6) weeks postnatal.
2. Should the Client choose to discontinue services, they must provide written notice.
3. Failure to meet client obligations may result in termination of the professional relationship, with written notification to both the Client and Cairns Hospital.
4. This Agreement remains in force indefinitely, unless formally revised or rescinded in writing.

 

4. Medicare Benefits Assignment

1. The Client consents for the Practice to:
- Use their Medicare number to submit bulk-billed claims via PRODA for endorsed midwifery services within the timeframe of first trimester through six weeks postpartum.
- Apply Medicare‐eligible services and charge fees for missed appointments or after-hours services (nominal $30 fee, non‐claimable).
2. The Client agrees to notify the Practice of any changes to Medicare eligibility or personal details.

 

5. Deposit and Fee Arrangements

1. A non‐refundable deposit is payable upon application and applied toward the chosen Management Fee package.
2. Payment of the selected Management Fee is due by 36 weeks’ gestation, either in full or via installment plan.
3. Should services cease early, refunds may be issued pro rata based on attended services.

 

6. Management Fee Options

• Option A – First-time parents: Covers all antenatal and postnatal services, classes (birth preparation, C-section prep, breastfeeding course, baby boot camp), and practice overheads. • Option B – Experienced parents: Covers practice overheads and antenatal/postnatal services; antenatal classes are charged separately.
• Option C – Postnatal care only: Covers postnatal services and associated overheads exclusively.

 

7. Privacy, Confidentiality & Data Protection

1. The Practice shall handle personal and health information in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles, as well as AHPRA National Law obligations regarding protected health information Queensland HealthQueensland Health+15AHPRA+15qnmu.org.au+15nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.auQueensland Healthoaic.gov.au+2AHPRA+2.
2. Information will be used solely for appropriate maternity care; disclosure to third parties will occur only with written consent, except where required by law or in emergencies.
3. Secure record-keeping and data handling practices are maintained in compliance with applicable privacy legislation.

 

8. Intellectual Property

All materials—including educational resources, care pathways, handouts, websites, and methodologies—remain the exclusive intellectual property of Midwife Marde Swan’s Practice. Unauthorized copying, distribution, commercial use, or plagiarism may give rise to legal action.

 

9. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

1. The Client agrees to raise any complaints or concerns directly with Midwife Marde Swan before pursuing external avenues.
2. Public or third-party complaints raised without prior internal discussion may be subject to legal scrutiny.
3. Any defamatory or untrue assertions, including on social media, may constitute slander and be addressed via legal remedies.
 
By selecting “Agree”, the Client affirms that they have read, understood, and consent to all terms contained herein.

This version integrates relevant federal and state legislation including:
• Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Queensland) and its regulation governing endorsed midwives ANMF Victoria+8Queensland Health+8Queensland Health+8
• Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 (Qld) and Regulation governing scope of practice and prescribing rights Queensland Health+1
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles governing health information