Bill > LB374

This bill establishes the Licensed Midwives Practice Act in Nebraska, creating a formal regulatory framework for professional midwifery. The bill creates a new Board of Licensed Midwives and defines a licensed midwife as a certified professional midwife who has met specific educational and certification requirements. Licensed midwives will be authorized to provide primary maternity care, including prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum services, as well as normal gynecological services and newborn care. The bill specifies that licensed midwives can practice independently, without physician supervision, and can obtain and administer certain medications and treatments within a defined scope of practice. Key restrictions include prohibitions on prescribing narcotic drugs or performing pregnancy terminations. The bill also requires insurance providers to cover midwifery services under the same terms as other maternity care. Importantly, the legislation emphasizes that professional midwifery does not constitute medical practice and does not limit parents' rights to choose their birth setting and attendant. The bill amends multiple existing statutes to integrate licensed midwifery into Nebraska's healthcare regulatory system and creates a clear legal pathway for midwives to practice professionally in the state.

Health and Social Services

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58922