The proposed bill seeks to amend Alaska's midwifery laws by renaming the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives to the Board of Licensed Midwives and extending the board's termination date to June 30, 2031. It aims to support women's rights to home births with licensed midwives, improve care quality for pregnant women and children, and ensure insurance coverage for midwifery services regardless of location. Key changes include new licensing requirements for midwives, a permit system for apprentice midwives, and clarified powers and duties for the board. The bill also introduces regulations that prevent unnecessary restrictions on midwives, such as the requirement for a nursing degree or supervision by other healthcare providers.

Additionally, the bill outlines the grounds for disciplinary actions against licensed midwives and establishes a framework for the board to review applications and enforce standards. It allows licensed midwives to practice independently, mandates health care insurers to cover home birth services and preconception care, and facilitates the transition for current midwives to the new licensing system. The bill includes provisions for immediate and future effective dates, with a retroactive provision to June 30, 2025, ensuring a smooth transition to the new regulatory framework.

Statutes affected:
HB0095A, AM HB 95, introduced 02/12/2025: 08.01.010, 08.65.010, 08.02.110, 08.64.380, 08.02.130, 08.03.010, 08.64.370, 39.05.080, 08.65.030, 08.65.050, 08.65.140, 08.65.100, 08.65.110, 08.65.080, 08.65.070, 08.65.090, 08.65.120, 08.01.075, 18.15.150, 18.15.200, 18.50.160, 18.50.230, 18.50.240, 08.65.150, 08.65.170, 08.65.160, 11.81.900, 08.65.180, 08.65.190, 18.35.399, 09.65.300, 11.41.470, 18.20.095, 18.50.165, 21.36.090, 21.42.365, 21.42.347, 21.42.355, 21.84.335, 25.20.055, 44.62.330, 47.07.900, 47.20.320, 08.65.060