### Question
How does the law define birth attendant?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 1396d*, **birth attendant** is defined as:

> an individual who is recognized or registered by the State involved to provide health care at childbirth and who provides such care within the scope of practice under which the individual is legally authorized to perform such care under State law (or the State regulatory mechanism provided by State law), regardless of whether the individual is under the supervision of, or associated with, a physician or other health care provider

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 1396d*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 7-SOCIAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER XIX-GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS**

