summary
Introduced
12/16/2024
12/16/2024
In Committee
12/16/2024
12/16/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill expands the authority of midwives to prescribe drugs.Under current law, a certified nurse midwife (CNM) may be authorized to prescribe drugs if the CNM has completed 30 contact hours in pharmacology, with at least one credit hour on topics or issues concerning prescription opioid drugs. A CNM who is approved to prescribe drugs is authorized to do so in accordance with standing orders and practice protocols developed in agreement between the CNM and a collaborative physician, which practice protocols are to be consistent with standards adopted by the State Board of Medical Examiners (BME). Pursuant to BME regulations, CNMs are restricted to prescribing the drugs outlined in a formulary set forth in the clinical guidelines established between the CNM and the collaborating physician, which drugs may include controlled dangerous substances. A licensed midwife is only authorized to prescribe a drug or medicine when preparing an ergot after the birth of the head of the infant, or household remedies, or to attend other than cases of labor. This bill would revise these requirements to provide that any certified midwife may prescribe drugs, and to remove requirements that the midwife do so in accordance with standing orders and practice protocols developed in agreement with a collaborative physician. The midwife would still be required to complete 30 hours of training in pharmacology, including one credit hour on topics and issues related to prescription opioid drugs.
AI Summary
This bill expands the prescriptive authority of midwives by modifying existing laws to allow both certified nurse midwives and certified midwives to prescribe drugs independently, without requiring standing orders or practice protocols from a collaborative physician. To qualify for prescriptive authority, midwives must still complete 30 contact hours of pharmacology training, including one credit hour specifically focused on prescription opioid drugs, such as responsible prescribing practices, alternatives to opioids for pain management, and recognizing signs of opioid abuse and addiction. The bill broadens the definition of "midwife" to include both certified nurse midwives and certified midwives registered with the State Board of Medical Examiners. The legislation removes previous restrictions that limited midwives to prescribing only ergot preparations after childbirth or household remedies. The State Board of Medical Examiners will be responsible for creating regulations to implement these changes, and the board retains the authority to prohibit a midwife from prescribing drugs if they violate relevant laws or regulations. The act will take effect immediately upon enactment.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 12/16/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5138 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5138_I1.HTM |
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