Bill > HB224

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for certified midwives, licensed midwives, and nurse-midwives in Ohio, creating new licensing frameworks and professional standards. The bill creates detailed requirements for midwifery practice, including educational qualifications, scope of practice, consent procedures, transfer of care protocols, and reporting requirements for adverse incidents. Key provisions include establishing that individuals must be at least 18 years old, hold a master's degree, complete specific certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and pharmacology, and maintain collaboration arrangements with physicians. The bill specifies the services midwives can provide, such as primary healthcare for women, attending births in various settings, and providing care for normal newborns, while also establishing clear limitations on their practice. Additionally, the bill creates a Licensed Midwifery Advisory Council within the Department of Commerce to provide guidance on midwifery regulation and requires extensive reporting of clinical outcomes. The legislation also designates May 5th as the "Day of the Midwife" and sets January 1, 2028, as the effective date for key licensing provisions, reflecting a comprehensive approach to recognizing and regulating midwifery as a professional healthcare practice in Ohio.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb224