On August 9, 2023, a panel of the Inquiry Committee approved a Consent Agreement between BCCNM and Karin Gerlach, Registered Midwife, of Prince George, BC, to address practice issues that occurred on August 10-11, 2022, in Dawson Creek, BC, related to Ms. Gerlach's failure to assess a pregnant patient in hospital in a timely manner when the patient reported that there was no fetal movement and the monitoring of the fetal heart tracing was atypical.
Ms. Gerlach did not consult a physician in a timely manner when confronted with a concerning clinical picture that included an atypical and/or abnormal fetal heart tracing, lack of fetal movement, lack of fetal response to scalp stimulation, and decreased amniotic fluid. Further, Ms. Gerlach did not communicate with the pregnant person and her spouse in a clear and detailed manner about the concerning clinical picture after she artificially ruptured the pregnant persons membranes and observed meconium in the amniotic fluid.
Ms. Gerlach was not clear in her discussions with the pregnant person and her spouse as the clinical situation evolved after the birth of the pregnant person's infant. Specifically, she did not clearly or adequately provide information about the infant's condition prior to a transfer to a higher level of care where the infant later passed away.
Ms. Gerlach practiced outside the scope of a midwife when she performed a bedside ultrasound and made a finding regarding decreased volume of amniotic fluid. Ms. Gerlach's documentation throughout the course of care she provided to her pregnant patient was inadequate.
Ms. Gerlach has voluntarily agreed to terms including cancellation of registration and a prohibition on reapplying for five years.
In the event that Ms. Gerlach reapplies for practicing registration in the future, she will be required to satisfy the Registration Committee that she meets the requirements of fitness, competence, and good character.
The Inquiry Committee is satisfied that the terms will protect the public.