summary
Introduced
03/19/2026
03/19/2026
In Committee
03/19/2026
03/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill expands the authority of midwives to prescribe drugs.Under current law, a certified nurse midwife (CNM) may be authorized to prescribe drugs if the CNM has completed 30 contact hours in pharmacology, with at least one credit hour on topics or issues concerning prescription opioid drugs. A CNM who is approved to prescribe drugs is authorized to do so in accordance with standing orders and practice protocols developed in agreement between the CNM and a collaborative physician, which practice protocols are to be consistent with standards adopted by the State Board of Medical Examiners (BME). Pursuant to BME regulations, CNMs are restricted to prescribing the drugs outlined in a formulary set forth in the clinical guidelines established between the CNM and the collaborating physician, which drugs may include controlled dangerous substances. A licensed midwife is only authorized to prescribe a drug or medicine when preparing an ergot after the birth of the head of the infant, or household remedies, or to attend other than cases of labor. This bill would revise these requirements to provide that any certified midwife may prescribe drugs, and to remove requirements that the midwife do so in accordance with standing orders and practice protocols developed in agreement with a collaborative physician. The midwife would still be required to complete 30 hours of training in pharmacology, including one credit hour on topics and issues related to prescription opioid drugs.
AI Summary
This bill expands the ability of midwives to prescribe drugs by removing the requirement that they operate under standing orders and practice protocols developed with a collaborative physician, allowing any certified midwife to prescribe independently after completing 30 hours of pharmacology training, including one credit hour on opioid-related issues. Previously, only certified nurse midwives (CNMs) could prescribe if they met specific training requirements and followed protocols agreed upon with a doctor, and licensed midwives had very limited prescribing authority, generally restricted to specific situations like prescribing ergot after childbirth or household remedies. The bill also clarifies that "midwife" now includes both certified nurse midwives and certified midwives, and the State Board of Medical Examiners will establish necessary regulations to implement these changes.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 03/19/2026)
Taxonomy
Health
- ‐ Maternal Health
- ‐ Regulation of Health-Related Occupations and Services
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S4025 | 03/17/2026 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4500/4025_I1.HTM | 03/20/2026 |
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