summary
Introduced
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
In Committee
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill modifies current law regulating midwives. Specifically, the bill repeals the current law requiring approval for licensure of midwives by the State Board of Medical Examiners and establishes a State Board of Midwifery. Under the bill, a board of 11 members, seven of whom are to be midwives, is created to oversee the licensure of certified midwives (CMs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and certified professional midwives (CPMs). The bill: (1) delineates the responsibilities of the board, which include the approval of licensure applications, and recognition of entities accrediting midwifery certification programs and national entities issuing the certifications; (2) reviews, as deemed appropriate, the continuing education hours completed by licensees based on levels of certification; (3) requires applicants to meet certain standards to qualify for a license; and (4) authorizes the State Board of Midwifery to grant individuals currently licensed as a CM, CNM, or CPM by the State Board of Medical Examiners a license at that same level. Under the bill, the Department of Banking and Insurance is to require medical malpractice insurance providers authorized to provide insurance in New Jersey to cover certified professional midwives. Additionally, health insurance carriers authorized to provide coverage in the State are to cover home births if an individual is approved to have a home birth. The bill stipulates that licensees are to complete continuing education credits in accordance with the respective credentialing body for each level of certification, which is to include at least one hour on implicit and explicit bias, and if a licensee is authorized to prescribe drugs. The board may, in its discretion, waive requirements for continuing education for a licensee if the licensee can demonstrate a hardship, including, but not limited to, a disability, military service or deployment, or other good cause. Moreover, the bill reinstates a licensed midwife as a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners.
AI Summary
This bill creates the Midwifery Licensing Act, establishing a new State Board of Midwifery to regulate midwifery practice in New Jersey. The bill creates an 11-member board, with seven midwives, one physician, one pediatrician, a public member, and a state executive department member, responsible for licensing and overseeing three types of midwives: certified midwives (CMs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and certified professional midwives (CPMs). The legislation aims to modernize midwifery regulation, recognizing midwives' critical role in improving maternal and infant health, particularly for vulnerable communities. The board will establish licensing requirements, recognize national certification entities, issue and renew licenses, and enforce professional standards. The bill expands midwives' scope of practice, allowing them to work in various settings like hospitals, clinics, and homes, and enables certified midwives and nurse midwives to prescribe medications after completing specific pharmacology training. Licensees must complete continuing education, including training on explicit and implicit bias, and the board can waive requirements for hardship reasons. The bill also updates various existing laws to incorporate midwifery licensing and adds a licensed midwife as a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners, ultimately creating a more comprehensive and modern regulatory framework for midwifery in New Jersey.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 05/19/2025)
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.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4487 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4487_I1.HTM |
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