LCs who are licensed as health professionals in other ways and for whom the
LC role might be considered as part of scope of practice, probably are
covered by current malpractice. I have an addendum on my nursing malpractice
for LC but the company says it really isn't necessary.

I have another thought: you know how OB's are caught between a rock and a
hard place re: malpractice if certain technologies are available and they
don't make use of them? For example, an OB is sued for a wrongful death of
infant. She/he used intermittent doppler or fetoscope to monitor the fetal
heart rate and all seemed A-OK. On delivery table the infant suddenly appears
to be in stress with a sudden, dramatic drop in heart rate and is delivered
vaginally by forceps. Apgars are 3 and 5 and baby dies a few hours later. In
court the doctor is eventually "nailed" because fetal monitoring is available
that should have picked up earlier, subtle signs of fetal distress. Why
wasn't an emergency c-section done whe that also was available? How many
precious minutes were wasted? etc, etc.

How does this relate to LCs? Well, there is an independent exam (IBLCE)
available which is indicative of at least entry-level competence in lactation
management. Why aren't so-called lactation consultants (a generic, unlicensed
term), breastfeeding specialists, etc. availing themselves of this exam if
they are competent?  (Hope this makes any sense at all!) What is there
obligation to the general public and their clients?

Karen