Bill > SB370

This bill establishes a comprehensive licensing and regulatory framework for midwives in Hawaii, with several key objectives. It provides for the continued licensure of certified midwives and certified professional midwives through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, clarifying their scope of practice to include providing independent midwifery services in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, birthing facilities, and homes. The bill aims to ensure that licensed midwives can provide comprehensive care, including ordering medical tests, conducting physical examinations, and offering wellness education, while also gaining limited prescriptive authority for certain medications. Additionally, the bill recognizes the cultural significance of birth practices and creates a home birth task force to study and make recommendations on improving maternal health care, particularly for traditional and cultural birth practitioners. The legislation seeks to balance professional regulation with respect for diverse birthing traditions, allowing traditional birth attendants to continue serving their communities while establishing clear guidelines for licensed midwifery practice. By creating pathways for local practitioners to achieve certification and mandating annual reporting, the bill intends to improve access to culturally responsive midwifery care while maintaining public safety standards.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=370&year=2025