Bill
Bill > A4281
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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, titled the "Midwifery Licensing Act," establishes a new State Board of Midwifery to regulate the practice of midwifery, replacing the previous system where midwives were licensed by the State Board of Medical Examiners. The new board will consist of 11 members, including seven midwives, and will oversee the licensure of certified midwives (CMs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and certified professional midwives (CPMs). Key provisions include the board's responsibility for approving licensure applications, recognizing accrediting bodies for midwifery programs, and reviewing continuing education for licensees, which must include training on implicit and explicit bias. The bill also mandates that medical malpractice insurance providers cover certified professional midwives and requires health insurance carriers to cover home births if approved. Furthermore, it allows for the waiver of continuing education requirements in cases of hardship and reinstates a licensed midwife as a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners. The bill also clarifies the scope of practice for CMs, CNMs, and CPMs, including their ability to prescribe medications under certain conditions, and ensures that individuals currently licensed as CMs, CNMs, or CPMs will be granted licenses at their existing level under the new act.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Regulated Professions Committee (on 02/19/2026)
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/2026/A4281 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4500/4281_I1.HTM |
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