The proposed bill would update current statutes by expanding the scope of practice for licensed midwives, allowing them to dispense and administer a wider range of medications, including antibiotics for Group B Streptococcus prophylaxis and antihemorrhagic medications, contingent upon completing a pharmacology course. It also establishes the Arizona Midwifery Advisory Committee within the Department of Health Services (DHS) to enhance oversight and support for midwifery care. The bill introduces new reporting requirements, mandating midwives to disclose their professional liability insurance and file annual reports with DHS that include practice statistics and perinatal outcomes, replacing the previous requirement for reporting on each patient termination of care.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing definitions and clarifies the responsibilities of the DHS Director regarding midwifery regulations. It mandates that annual reports include maternal and neonatal deaths, along with their causes and circumstances, and requires that data be shared with state leadership and posted on DHS's public website. The bill removes outdated requirements, such as considering the most recent midwifery job analysis for rule adoption and eliminates the authorization for midwives to administer certain prescription medications. Overall, these updates aim to improve patient safety, enhance transparency, and ensure midwifery practices align with community health standards.

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