CA AB2682

Removes requirement that certified nurse-midwives practice under supervision of a physician and surgeon, allowing independent practice after an 18-month supervised practice period following initial licensure.

Defines "normal pregnancy and childbirth" with specific clinical criteria (single fetus, cephalic presentation, 37-42 weeks gestation, spontaneous/induced labor, absence of preexisting diseases) and allows nurse-midwives to attend cases meeting these conditions without physician supervision.

Expands scope of practice for certified nurse-midwives to furnish drugs and devices (including controlled substances) in home settings and under standardized protocols rather than requiring direct physician supervision.

Requires certified nurse-midwives not under physician supervision to provide oral and written disclosure and obtain informed consent from clients regarding licensure status, practice settings, liability coverage, and referral procedures.

Mandates annual reporting by certified nurse-midwives attending out-of-hospital births to the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development with specific data on births, transfers, complications, and maternal/infant outcomes; requires alternative birth centers to be licensed as specialty clinics.