Introduced

SB 637 - This act declares the practice of midwifery to be separate and distinct from the practice of medicine, nursing, nurse-midwifery, or any other medical or healing practice.

A midwife is defined as one who is certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) as a certified professional midwife providing for compensation those skills relevant to the care of women and infants before, during, and six weeks after birth.

A person who regularly practices midwifery for compensation is required to present a written disclosure statement to each client outlining the practice of midwifery, his or her training, experience, liability insurance coverage, and emergency medical plan. This requirement has some exceptions, including a religious practice exception.

This act also provides that only the midwife who provided care to the client shall be liable for any negligent, willful act or omission.

In addition, engaging in the practice of midwifery is removed from the list of acts constituting the unlawful practice of medicine. This act also repeals the provisions prohibiting persons licensed as midwives from practicing medicine.

ADRIANE CROUSE


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