The bill amends Section 23-13-9 of the General Laws concerning "Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs" to establish regulations for midwifery practice and licensing. It introduces new legal language that authorizes the state director of health to create rules for midwives, including the requirement for an application and renewal fee equivalent to that of nurse practitioners. Additionally, it grants licensed, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) the authority to prescribe a range of medications necessary for their patients, under the oversight of the department of health.

Furthermore, the bill specifies the scope of prescriptive authority for certified professional midwives, detailing a comprehensive list of medications and equipment they are permitted to order, obtain, carry, and administer. This includes items such as lactation pumps, prenatal vitamins, various vaccines, and medications for managing labor and postpartum complications. The act is set to take effect upon passage, enhancing the role of midwives in maternal healthcare by expanding their capabilities in medication management.