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MS HB79

MS HB79
Midwifery; provide for licensure and regulation of.

summary

Introduced
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Provide For The Licensure And Regulation Of Professional Midwifery; To Provide Definitions For The Purpose Of The Act; To Provide Exceptions To The Applicability Of The Act; To Provide The Scope Of Practice For Licensed Midwives; To Provide Mandatory Procedures For Licensed Midwives; To Prohibit Licensed Midwives From Certain Actions; To Create The State Board Of Licensed Midwifery And Provide For Its Composition, Appointment And Powers And Duties; To Require The Board To Promulgate Rules Not Later Than July 1, 2027; To Require A License From The Board To Practice Professional Midwifery; To Provide For The Issuance Of Temporary Permits To Practice Pending Qualification For Licensure; To Provide Exemptions From Licensure For Certain Persons; To Provide For The Confidentiality Of Information Maintained By The Board; To Provide Immunity For Certain Actions; To Provide Penalties For Violations Of This Act; To Prohibit Terminology In Any Health Coverage Plan, Policy Or Contract That Is Discriminatory Against Professional Midwifery; To Require Health Coverage Plans That Provide Maternity Benefits To Provide Coverage For Services Rendered By A Licensed Midwife; To Provide Whenever A Health Coverage Plan Provides For Reimbursement Of Any Services That Are Within The Lawful Scope Of Practice Of Licensed Midwives, The Person Entitled To Benefits Under The Plan Shall Be Entitled To Reimbursement For The Services, Whether The Services Are Performed By A Physician Or A Licensed Midwife; To Require The State Department Of Health To Develop And Institute A Safe Perinatal Transfer Certification For The Facilities That It Regulates; To Amend Section 73-25-33, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Clarify That The Practice Of Midwifery Is Not Considered To Be The Practice Of Medicine; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill, titled the "Mississippi Midwifery License Law," establishes a framework for the licensure and regulation of professional midwives practicing in community settings, aiming to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by increasing access to patient-centered, evidence-based perinatal care. It defines key terms like "professional midwifery" and "licensed midwife," clarifies that midwifery is distinct from the practice of medicine, and outlines exceptions to the act, such as for certified nurse midwives, physicians, students, doulas, and emergency assistance. The bill creates the State Board of Licensed Midwifery, composed of six midwives, one perinatal care provider, one public representative, and the Executive Director of the State Department of Health, responsible for developing rules for licensure, educational standards, and disciplinary procedures by July 1, 2027. Licensed midwives will have a defined scope of practice including primary maternity care for low-risk pregnancies and basic well-woman care, with specific limitations on prescriptive authority and prohibited actions like performing major surgical procedures or using forceps. The bill also mandates that health insurance plans provide coverage for services rendered by licensed midwives on par with physicians, prohibits discriminatory terminology in insurance policies, and requires the State Department of Health to develop a safe perinatal transfer certification for facilities. Furthermore, it clarifies that the practice of midwifery is not considered the practice of medicine and sets penalties for violations, including monetary fines and license suspension or revocation.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)

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