Bill > A01125

This bill establishes a new professional category of "certified professional midwife" in New York State, defining their practice as managing normal pregnancies, childbirth, and postpartum care in home, birth center, or community settings, including newborn evaluation and referral. The bill outlines specific requirements for obtaining a professional license, which include being at least 21 years old, filing an application, achieving certification from a national midwifery certifying body, passing an examination, and paying required fees. Certified professional midwives will be authorized to prescribe certain medications and diagnostic tests after completing a pharmacology program, and they must maintain collaborative relationships with physicians or hospitals to ensure patient safety. The bill also modifies existing education and public health laws to incorporate this new midwifery classification, including updating the state board of midwifery composition and adding certified professional midwives to the list of qualified healthcare professionals. The law will take effect 18 months after becoming law, allowing time for regulatory preparation, and aims to provide a structured legal framework for recognizing and regulating this specific midwifery practice.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1125