summary
Introduced
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to repeal in its entirety Chapter 26, relating to the practice of midwifery; to revise provisions relating to peer review to include midwives; to amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, so as to provide for the licensure and regulation of midwives; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for definitions; to provide for the creation of the Advisory Board for Licensed Midwives; to provide for its membership and duties; to provide for licensure requirements; to provide for renewal of licenses; to provide for the revocation, suspension, denial, or refusal to issue or renew a license; to provide fines for violations; to provide for the promulgation of rules and regulations; to prohibit the practice of midwifery without a license; to provide exceptions; to provide for informed consent and written disclosures to clients; to limit the practice of midwifery; to provide for standards of care and liability in certain situations; to provide for prohibited acts; to authorize the filing of birth certificates; to provide for statutory construction; to provide for coverage; to provide for abatement; to provide for an exception under the "Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act"; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for licensed midwives in Georgia, creating an Advisory Board for Licensed Midwives to oversee the profession and protect public health. The legislation defines midwifery as professional assistance to women during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods in out-of-hospital settings, outlining specific practices midwives can perform, such as ordering certain laboratory tests, managing postpartum care, providing limited newborn screenings, and administering specific medications. To become licensed, midwives must meet rigorous requirements including submitting fingerprints for background checks, holding current CPR and neonatal resuscitation certifications, completing a pharmacology course, and obtaining certification from a recognized midwifery organization. The bill establishes clear guidelines for informed consent, professional conduct, and collaboration with other healthcare providers, and mandates that health insurance plans cover midwifery services at the same rate as other maternity care providers. Importantly, the legislation emphasizes parental choice in childbirth, recognizes midwives as autonomous healthcare providers, and aims to improve access to maternity care, particularly in underserved counties. The bill also includes provisions for disciplinary actions, license renewal, and specific limitations on midwifery practices to ensure patient safety.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (6)
Katie Dempsey (R)*,
Ginny Ehrhart (R)*,
Karen Mathiak (R)*,
Martin Momtahan (R)*,
Alan Powell (R)*,
Al Williams (D)*,
Last Action
House Health (upon Adjournment) (14:00:00 3/10/2025 403 CAP) (on 03/10/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70500 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/232946 |
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