SB 192 Summary

• Changes the "Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives" to the "Board of Licensed Midwives" and shifts regulatory focus from certification to licensure throughout Alaska statutes.

• Replaces board composition of two certified direct-entry midwives, one physician, and one certified nurse midwife with two licensed midwives and two advanced practice registered nurses who practice in out-of-hospital settings, plus one public member.

• Removes requirements that licensed midwives practice under supervision or collaboration with other health care providers, enter into agreements with health care facilities, or practice only in specific locations.

• Requires health insurance plans covering physician services for pregnancy and childbirth to provide equal coverage for licensed midwife services and allow midwives to provide the same services as physicians.

• Takes effect January 1, 2023, with transition provisions allowing current certified direct-entry midwives and apprentice midwives to continue practicing for two years under the new licensure framework.