This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding licensed midwives in Arizona. It introduces new provisions allowing licensed midwives (LMs) who complete a specific pharmacology course to dispense and administer a range of medications, including antibiotics, antiviral medications, antifungal treatments, intravenous fluids, and antihemorrhagic medications for postpartum care. Additionally, it mandates that LMs disclose their professional liability insurance status to patients and submit annual reports to the Department of Health Services (DHS) detailing care statistics, including patient numbers, deliveries, transfers, and perinatal deaths, while ensuring patient confidentiality. The bill also establishes the Arizona Midwifery Advisory Committee, consisting of nine members appointed by the DHS Director, to assist in licensing and disciplinary matters related to midwifery. It requires the committee to meet quarterly and provide recommendations on changes to the midwifery scope of practice. Furthermore, it replaces previous reporting requirements for LMs with new reporting obligations that focus on practice statistics and necessitate a detailed justification for any proposed modifications to their practice scope. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the regulatory framework for midwifery practice in Arizona, ensuring improved care and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-751, 36-755, 36-761, 36-762, 36-763