Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1773
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning the practice of midwifery.
Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Rodne, Cody, Green, Ryu, Liias, Farrell and Santos.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/21/13
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
A licensed midwife renders medical care for compensation to a woman during prenatal, intrapartum, and post-partum stages. In order to be licensed, a midwife must complete minimum education and training and pass an examination. A midwife must renew his or her license every year.
Summary of Bill:
The practice of midwifery includes rendering medical aid to an infant up to two weeks of age. The Secretary of Health (Secretary) must write rules to bridge the gap between requirements of national certification of certified professional midwives and state requirements for licensure for licensed midwives.
A licensed midwife must renew his or her license according to the following requirements:
completion of a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every three years;
proof of participation in a Washington state coordinated quality improvement program; and
proof of participation in data submission on perinatal outcomes to a national or state research organization.
The Secretary must write rules regarding the renewal process and the Department of Health's process for verification of the third-party data submission.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 13, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.