The proposed bill establishes the Licensed Midwives Practice Act in Nebraska, amending the Uniform Credentialing Act to include specific provisions for licensed midwives. Key insertions include the definition of "Licensed Midwives" and the establishment of a Board of Licensed Midwives to oversee the licensure process. The bill outlines the qualifications for obtaining a midwifery license, which includes educational requirements and a criminal background check for applicants. It also clarifies that licensed midwives can practice within the defined scope of the act and ensures that their practice is distinct from that of certified nurse midwives.

Additionally, the act mandates that maternity services provided by licensed midwives are covered by health insurance on par with other similar benefits, preventing any additional financial burden on clients. It emphasizes that the practice of professional midwifery is separate from medicine or nursing, thereby protecting parental rights regarding delivery choices. The bill also repeals outdated statutes related to previous certifications, modernizing the legal framework for midwifery in Nebraska and streamlining regulations to better support licensed midwives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 38-101, 38-121, 38-131, 38-167, 38-606, 38-618, 38-2025