This bill amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985 to enhance the definitions and licensing provisions for midwifery and nurse-midwifery in Pennsylvania. A significant change is the introduction of a certified midwife license, which allows individuals who meet specific educational and certification criteria to practice midwifery. The bill revises the definitions of "medical training facility" and "midwife or nurse-midwife" and clarifies the practice conditions for nurse-midwives and certified midwives, including the requirement for collaborative agreements with physicians in certain situations. It also outlines the prescribing authority for these professionals, allowing them to prescribe controlled substances under specific conditions, and establishes continuing education and patient care documentation requirements.

Additionally, the bill details the responsibilities of certified midwives, particularly regarding their collaboration with physicians and patient care management. Certified midwives affiliated with health systems or hospitals must identify health deviations and manage complications through physician consultation or referral, while remaining responsible for their services. The bill mandates the maintenance of medical records and proper transfer of these records when care is transitioned to another provider. For certified midwives not associated with a health system, there is a requirement to disclose specific information to prospective patients, including emergency transport plans. The legislation aligns the licensing of certified midwives with the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare) Act, ensuring adherence to the same standards as certified nurse midwives, and is set to take effect 60 days after 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