Bill > HB1181

This bill amends Arkansas state law to expand the full practice authority of certified nurse midwives (CNMs) by adding two key provisions: first, CNMs will now be able to admit and discharge patients from licensed hospitals if they are granted hospital privileges, and second, CNMs will be authorized to complete, sign, and submit birth and death certificates. The bill modifies existing statutes to explicitly include certified nurse midwives in medical documentation processes, such as preparing birth certificates when a birth occurs in an institution or outside an institution, and completing medical certification for death certificates. These changes effectively broaden the professional scope of practice for certified nurse midwives, granting them additional responsibilities traditionally held by physicians. The modifications aim to recognize the advanced training and capabilities of CNMs by allowing them to perform more comprehensive medical administrative tasks and potentially provide more comprehensive patient care in hospital settings.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1181&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R