HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5163

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senator Wojahn)

Changing provisions relating to midwives.

House Committe on Health Care

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Bristow, Brooks, Bumgarner, Cantwell, Lewis, Lux, D. Sommers, Sprenkle and Vekich.

House Staff:John Welsh (786-7133)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 15, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Midwife Advisory Committee was scheduled for Sunset review by the Legislative Budget Committee, with termination of its authority on June 30, 1987 and repeal on June 30, 1988.  The Legislative Budget Committee recommends that the authority to regulate midwifery be continued because of significant risks associated with maternity services.

Currently, a license is required in order to practice midwifery for those persons charging a fee or compensation.  Applicants for licensure are required to have a certificate or diploma from an accredited midwifery program and at least three years training or equivalent experience.

A licensed midwife has authority to administer prophylactic opthalmic medication, postpartum oxytocic and local anesthetic, and others prescribed by a physician.

SUMMARY:

The Midwifery Advisory Committee is authorized.  The Department of Licensing must conduct a study on the role of nonlicensed midwives in maternity practice and report to the legislature prior to the 1989 legislative session. Licensed midwives are authorized to administer Vitamin K and Rho immune globulin (human) as well as other drugs authorized by the director of the Department of Licensing in consultation with the advisory committee, Board of Pharmacy and Board of Medical Examiners.

The Department of Licensing may not increase the licensing fees more that $100 or 50 percent, whichever is greater, during any biennium of a health profession with fewer than 100 licensees (acupuncturists, ocularists, midwives).

Fiscal Note:      Requested April 2, 1987.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Moyer; Mike Ryherd, Washington State Medical Association; Martha Butzen, Midwives Association of Washington State; and Sandy Wixson, Lay Midwife.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The recommendation contained in the Legislative Budget Committee sunset study should be implemented.  The role of non-licensed midwives should be explored to determine if licensure requirements are appropriate.  Midwifery practice involves the use of new drugs on the market and there should be a mechanism for authorizing their use through review by medical and pharmacy boards.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.