Bill > HB2251

This bill, titled the "Jordan and Mack Terry Act," expands the scope of practice for licensed midwives in Arizona by allowing them to administer and dispense certain medications and therapies, provided they have completed specific pharmacology training. These include antibiotics for Group B strep, medications to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage, newborn eye care medications, intravenous fluids, Vitamin K, Rho immune globulin, local anesthetics for certain birth-related tears, oxygen, epinephrine, glucose gel, vitamins and minerals, and resuscitation supplies. Licensed midwives can also administer other prescription medications as prescribed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. The bill also establishes the Arizona Midwifery Advisory Committee, composed of licensed midwives, certified nurse midwives, physicians, and a consumer, to advise the Director of Health Services on rules, disciplinary matters, and scope of practice modifications. This committee will also review "sentinel events," which are serious patient safety incidents like maternal death or significant infant harm, and make recommendations for corrective actions. Furthermore, licensed midwives must now disclose whether they carry professional liability insurance and will be required to submit annual reports to the Department of Health Services detailing their practice statistics, including patient numbers, transfers, perinatal deaths, and specific birth outcomes, replacing the previous requirement of reporting after each patient's care ends.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83972