The bill amends Sections 34-19-12, 34-19-14, and 34-19-16 of the Code of Alabama 1975, enhancing the powers and responsibilities of the State Board of Midwifery. Key insertions include the establishment of a seven-member board appointed by the Governor, with a focus on diversity from various congressional districts starting June 1, 2025. The board will have the authority to accept gifts and grants, approve and regulate midwifery licenses, investigate complaints, and impose fines for violations. Licensed midwives will be required to file annual reports detailing their practice statistics, which the board must make publicly available. Additionally, midwives must provide clients with a disclosure form regarding their qualifications and the conditions for medical referrals, emphasizing informed consent.

The bill also introduces new responsibilities for licensed midwives, including instructing clients on the administration of eye ointment and newborn health screening as mandated by the Alabama Department of Public Health. Midwives must document an emergency care plan and remain with clients during the postpartum period until stabilization. Significant deletions from current law include the removal of the requirement for midwives to collect clinical data for the Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project. The bill streamlines and clarifies the language regarding midwives' obligations and is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34-19-12, 34-19-14, 34-19-16
Engrossed: 34-19-12, 34-19-14, 34-19-16
Enrolled: 34-19-12, 34-19-14, 34-19-16