HSB 522

This bill relates to the practice of midwifery in Iowa. The bill requires a person practicing midwifery in Iowa to obtain a license to practice beginning July 1, 2021. _____ bill exempts from regulation health care providers providing services consistent with midwifery, members of Native American tribes or Amish communities providing traditional midwife services, persons who gratuitously engage in the practice of the religious tenets of a church or a religious act, student midwives, and persons rendering emergency aid. Prior to obtaining a midwifery license, a person must be at least years of age, submit proof of a high school diploma or equivalent, submit a fee, submit proof of having completed an educational program or pathway, and hold a current certified professional midwife certificate from the North American registry of midwives. The bill prohibits any person other than a licensed midwife from using the title “licensed midwife”. The bill provides an alternative means to completion of an educational program or pathway for persons who received a certified professional midwife certification prior to January 1, 2020, or who received a license from a state that does not require completion of an educational program or pathway. This alternative means of qualification is repealed effective January 1, 2021. The bill creates the board of midwifery to regulate the practice of midwifery in Iowa and makes conforming changes to Code chapters 147 and 272C. The bill requires the board to adopt certain rules for the practice of midwifery and prohibits the board from adopting rules allowing a licensed midwife to order or administer narcotics, limiting the locations where a midwife may practice, or requiring a midwife to practice under a collaborative practice agreement with another health care provider. The bill provides certain requirements for membership on the board of midwifery. The bill limits the liability of a health care provider accepting a transfer of clients from a licensed midwife with respect to outcomes that are the result of actions of the midwife. _____ by licensed midwives on the same terms as for similar benefits provided by other providers.