The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes by transferring the regulatory oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services (DHS) to the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board (Board). This transition includes the appointment of a licensed midwife to the Board by the Governor, who must meet specific residency and practice requirements. The Board will inherit all authority and responsibilities previously held by DHS, ensuring continuity in midwifery regulation. Additionally, the bill mandates that all existing DHS rules remain in effect until replaced by the Board's actions, while also introducing new provisions for financial management of the Board Fund and establishing a framework for disciplinary actions against licensed midwives.

Moreover, the bill expands the authority of licensed midwives, allowing them to dispense and administer certain medications and therapies, and requires them to disclose their professional liability insurance status to patients. It also introduces an Advisory Committee to assist the Board, clarifies the application process for midwifery licensure, and defines key terms related to midwifery practice. The bill repeals the cap on midwifery licensure fees and modifies the definition of "sentinel event," enhancing reporting requirements for maternal and neonatal incidents. Overall, these updates aim to modernize midwifery practice, improve accountability, and ensure better care for patients in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-751, 36-755, 36-761, 36-762, 36-763
House Engrossed Version: 36-751, 36-755, 36-761, 36-762, 36-763
Senate Engrossed Version: 12-910, 20-3151, 32-1502, 32-1505, 32-1591, 32-1591.02, 32-1591.04, 32-1591.05, 32-1591.06, 32-1591.08, 32-1591.11, 32-1591.12, 32-1591.13, 32-3101, 32-3201, 36-301, 36-422, 36-425, 36-3601, 41-1092.03, 41-1092.04, 41-1092.05, 41-1092.06, 41-1092.07, 41-1092.08, 41-1092.09, 41-1092.10, 41-1092.11, 41-1092.02, 25-522, 20-1137, 41-1750, 92-544, 35-146, 35-147, 35-143.01, 32-1527, 36-751, 36-752, 32-1591.01, 36-753, 36-754, 32-1591.03, 36-755, 36-756, 36-756.01, 36-757, 32-1591.07, 36-758, 36-759, 32-1591.09, 36-760, 32-1591.10, 36-3801, 12-2291, 13-3623.01, 32-1301, 36-401, 11-591, 36-831, 36-125.05, 36-132, 36-2151, 36-421, 36-402, 36-424, 36-427, 12-2235