The bill seeks to amend various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to improve the regulation of midwifery practices and establish requirements for freestanding birthing centers. It designates May 5th as the "Day of the Midwife" and includes provisions to prevent hospitals from discriminating against qualified midwives based on their licensure. The bill mandates that freestanding birthing centers have a director of patient services who is either a physician or a licensed midwife and requires Medicaid provider hospitals to establish written transfer agreements with nearby birthing centers. Additionally, it introduces quality standards for healthcare facilities, clarifies nursing role definitions, and emphasizes collaboration between midwives and physicians to ensure patient safety.

Furthermore, the bill expands the board of nursing's composition and outlines its powers and duties, including the administration of nursing practice regulations and the issuance of licenses. It introduces new definitions and licensing requirements for certified midwives, expands disciplinary actions for nursing professionals, and establishes a safe haven program for impaired practitioners. The legislation also addresses the prescriptive authority of certified midwives, detailing their scope of practice and requirements for patient consent. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety, accountability, and professionalism of midwifery practices in Ohio while ensuring that practitioners adhere to established regulations and ethical standards.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3701.351, 3702.30, 4723.01, 4723.02, 4723.03, 4723.06, 4723.07, 4723.08, 4723.271, 4723.28, 4723.282, 4723.33, 4723.34, 4723.341, 4723.35, 4723.41, 4723.43, 4723.431, 4723.432, 4723.481, 4723.483, 4723.487, 4723.488, 4723.4810, 4723.4811, 4723.50, 4723.91, 4723.99, 4731.22, 4731.27