Bill > S0478

This bill expands the prescriptive authority of certified professional midwives by detailing a comprehensive list of 51 specific medications and medical supplies they can order, obtain, carry, and administer during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The expanded list includes a wide range of items such as lactation equipment, medical devices, vitamins, vaccines, emergency medications, antibiotics, and treatments for various maternal and neonatal conditions. Previously, the law only generally authorized midwives to prescribe medications reasonably required by patients, but this bill provides a detailed, explicit enumeration of permissible medications and supplies. The new provisions cover everything from prenatal care (like vitamins and vaccines) to emergency interventions (such as epinephrine for anaphylaxis and magnesium sulfate for seizure prevention), and include medications for pain management, infection prevention, and postpartum care. The bill maintains existing regulations about midwife licensing and oversight by the state director of health, and it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

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