summary
Introduced
01/20/2025
01/20/2025
In Committee
01/20/2025
01/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Provide For The Licensure And Regulation Of Professional Midwifery; To Provide Definitions For The Purpose Of The Act; To Provide Exceptions To The Applicability Of The Act; To Provide The Scope Of Practice For Licensed Midwives; To Provide Mandatory Procedures For Licensed Midwives; To Prohibit Licensed Midwives From Certain Actions; To Create The State Board Of Licensed Midwifery And Provide For Its Composition, Appointment And Powers And Duties; To Require The Board To Promulgate Rules Not Later Than July 1, 2026; To Require A License From The Board To Practice Professional Midwifery; To Provide For The Issuance Of Temporary Permits To Practice Pending Qualification For Licensure; To Provide Exemptions From Licensure For Certain Persons; To Provide For The Confidentiality Of Information Maintained By The Board; To Provide Immunity For Certain Actions; To Provide Criminal Penalties For Violations Of This Act; To Prohibit Terminology In Any Health Coverage Plan, Policy Or Contract That Is Discriminatory Against Professional Midwifery; To Require Health Coverage Plans That Provide Maternity Benefits To Provide Coverage For Services Rendered By A Licensed Midwife; To Provide Whenever A Health Coverage Plan Provides For Reimbursement Of Any Services That Are Within The Lawful Scope Of Practice Of Licensed Midwives, The Person Entitled To Benefits Under The Plan Shall Be Entitled To Reimbursement For The Services, Whether The Services Are Performed By A Physician Or A Licensed Midwife; To Require The State Department Of Health To Develop And Institute A Safe Perinatal Transfer Certification For The Facilities That It Regulates; To Amend Section 73-25-33, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Remove The Reference To The Practice Of Midwifery In The Definition Of The Practice Of Medicine; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the licensure and regulation of professional midwifery in Mississippi, creating a State Board of Licensed Midwifery to oversee the profession. The bill defines professional midwifery as a distinct healthcare practice focused on providing primary maternity care to low-risk women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods, emphasizing patient-centered care that views birth as a normal physiological process. The legislation aims to increase access to midwifery services, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and preserve parental choice in childbirth settings. Key provisions include establishing licensing requirements, defining the scope of midwifery practice (which explicitly does not include the practice of medicine), creating a diverse eight-member board to regulate the profession, and mandating specific disclosure requirements for licensed midwives. The bill also requires health insurance plans to provide coverage for midwifery services, prohibits discriminatory language in health coverage, and establishes criminal penalties for practicing without a license. Additionally, the legislation creates mechanisms for temporary permits, confidentiality protections, and a framework for safe patient transfers between healthcare providers, with the ultimate goal of integrating professional midwives into Mississippi's maternity care system while ensuring patient safety and professional standards.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1386.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2025/html/HB/1300-1399/HB1386IN.htm |
Loading...