Bill > HB95

This bill updates Alaska's laws regarding midwifery by renaming the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives to the Board of Licensed Midwives and making several key changes to the practice and regulation of midwifery. The bill preserves women's right to home births, extends the board's termination date to 2031, and ensures that licensed midwives can practice without supervision from other healthcare providers. It establishes new licensing requirements, including holding a nationally recognized midwife certification, and mandates that health insurance plans cover home birth services provided by licensed midwives. The bill also expands the definition of midwifery practice to include preconception care and extends well-baby care from four to six weeks. Importantly, the legislation prohibits regulations that would require midwives to have nursing degrees, practice under supervision, or limit their practice locations. The bill provides a transition period for existing certified direct-entry midwives and apprentices to convert to the new licensing system, ensuring continuity of practice while updating the regulatory framework to support midwifery as an independent healthcare profession.

Health and Social Services

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB95