This bill proposes comprehensive reforms to the regulation of midwifery in Alaska, including a name change from the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives to the Board of Licensed Midwives. It aims to enhance midwifery practices by allowing licensed midwives to provide care in various settings, such as home births, and ensuring that these services are covered by insurance. The bill extends the board's termination date to June 30, 2031, and establishes qualifications for midwives, requiring a valid certified professional midwife certificate from a nationally recognized organization. Key amendments introduce new language that grants the board authority to review licensing applications, issue permits for apprentice midwives, and enforce regulations to maintain quality care.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that licensed midwives do not need a nursing degree or supervision from other healthcare providers, while also outlining grounds for disciplinary actions to uphold professional standards. It allows the Board of Licensed Midwives to reinstate suspended or revoked licenses if the applicant can demonstrate safe practice. The legislation mandates health care insurers to cover home birth services and preconception care provided by licensed midwives, ensuring equitable compensation with physician services. Provisions for transitioning current direct-entry midwives to the new licensing framework are also included, with the bill set to take effect in stages.

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