CA AB836

Requires the Department of Health Care Access and Information to administer funding for a statewide study on midwifery education, conducted by an outside consultant familiar with California's health care and midwifery workforce

Study must evaluate midwifery education trends, develop financial sustainability plans, identify institutions capable of housing midwifery programs, and propose pathways to diversify the student pipeline

Study must address shortage of clinical preceptors, identify sites for interprofessional education between resident obstetricians and midwives, and consider innovations allowing nurse-midwives and licensed midwives to train together

Department must submit a report to the Legislature and post findings on its website within 36 months of receiving appropriated funds, notifying all persons on the department's reproductive health and maternity care mailing list

Implementation contingent upon appropriation from the Legislature; defines "reproductive health care professionals" to include medical doctors, licensed midwives, certified nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, doulas, and others