Bill > S1183

This bill establishes a licensing requirement for lactation consultants, defining their practice as providing lactation care and services to individuals, families, or groups. It amends existing law to include a licensed lactation consultant as a member of the board of allied health professions and clarifies that the "Board" refers to this board. The bill outlines the qualifications for licensure, requiring applicants to have completed accredited certification programming or equivalent education and to pass an examination administered by the board, which may use an existing national exam. It also allows for licensure by endorsement for individuals licensed in other states with substantially equal requirements. The bill provides a grace period for those already practicing as lactation consultants to obtain a license after regulations are established. Importantly, it specifies that only licensed individuals can hold themselves out as lactation consultants, while also exempting certain individuals, such as students, those working for the federal government, or those providing services for a limited time in association with a licensed professional from other states with comparable licensing.