FINAL BILL REPORT
2SHB 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. |
C 187 L 14
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning the practice of midwifery.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Rodne, Cody, Green, Ryu, Liias, Farrell and Santos).
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Senate Committee on Health Care
Background:
A licensed midwife renders medical care for compensation to a woman during prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum stages. To be licensed in Washington, a midwife must:
have a high school education;
be at least 21 years of age;
possess a certificate or diploma from a midwifery program;
obtain a minimum of three years of midwifery training;
meet minimum educational requirements;
for a student midwife during training, undertake the care of at least 50 women in each of the prenatal, intrapartum, and early postpartum periods;
observe an additional 50 women in the intrapartum period; and
pass an examination.
Standards for the certified professional midwife credential are set by the North American Registry of Midwives.
Legislation enacted in 2012 permitted registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to practice and administer medications, treatments, tests, and inoculations at the direction of a licensed midwife.
In December 2013 the Department of Health published a sunrise review recommending that the practice of midwifery include rendering medical aid for compensation to a newborn up to two weeks of age and that "medical aid" be defined in rule.
Summary:
The practice of midwifery includes rendering medical aid for compensation to a newborn up to two weeks of age.
A midwife may delegate to a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse midwifery tasks that do not exceed the nurse's education.
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 coordinated quality improvement program;
proof of participation in data submission on perinatal outcomes to a national or state research organization; and
payment of fees determined by the Secretary of Health (Secretary).
The Secretary must write rules regarding the renewal process and the process for verifying the third-party data submission. The Secretary must also write rules to bridge the gap between requirements of national certification of certified professional midwives and state requirements for licensure.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 93 | 4 | |
House | 91 | 5 | |
Senate | 49 | 0 |
Effective: | June 12, 2014 |