The bill amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985 to enhance the regulatory framework for midwifery in Pennsylvania by introducing a certified midwife license. This new licensing category allows individuals who meet specific educational and clinical training requirements to practice midwifery. The definitions of "medical training facility" and "midwife" are updated to include "nurse-midwife" and "certified midwife." The bill also outlines the conditions under which these practitioners can operate, including the necessity for collaborative agreements with physicians and maintaining clinical staff privileges at healthcare facilities. Additionally, it grants nurse-midwives and certified midwives the authority to prescribe certain medications, including controlled substances, under defined conditions.

Moreover, the legislation specifies the responsibilities of certified midwives, particularly regarding their collaboration with physicians and patient care management. It mandates that certified midwives identify deviations from normal health and manage complications through consultation or referral to a physician, while clarifying that this does not create a physician-patient relationship. The bill also requires certified midwives not affiliated with a health system to disclose specific information to prospective patients, including emergency plans. Furthermore, it aligns the licensing of certified midwives with the standards set by the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare) Act, ensuring consistency in practice. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 456 (Mar 21, 2025): P.L.457, No.112, P.L.317, No.69
Printer's No. 0456: P.L.457, No.112, P.L.317, No.69