Substitute House Bill No. 5318, as amended, establishes a licensure requirement for lactation consultants in the state, effective July 1, 2026. Lactation consultants are defined as individuals certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and licensed under this act. The bill prohibits unlicensed practice of lactation consulting for compensation and the use of the title "licensed lactation consultant" or any similar designation by unlicensed individuals. However, exemptions are provided for certain professionals, such as those licensed in other health fields, students, and individuals providing lactation education and support through specific programs, as long as they do not use the title "lactation consultant." The bill details the application process, fees, renewal requirements, and grounds for disciplinary action, including a repeal and substitution of subsection (c) of section 19a-14 of the general statutes.

The bill also specifies that licensed lactation consultants must renew their licenses biennially during their birth month, with a renewal fee of $100, and must provide evidence of current IBLCE certification and completed continuing education. Grounds for disciplinary action by the Department of Public Health (DPH) commissioner include professional misconduct, felony convictions, fraud, negligence, and substance abuse, among others, with possible penalties ranging from license revocation to civil fines up to $25,000. The bill allows the commissioner to order physical or mental examinations of licensees to ensure safe practice and to enforce such orders through the Hartford Superior Court. The bill passed the Public Health Committee with a vote of 24 in favor and 11 against on March 22, 2024. House Amendment "A" moved the effective date from October 1, 2027, to July 1, 2026, expanded the list of exemptions, and made minor and technical changes.