HB 319 Summary

• Establishes a Midwife Advisory Council under the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline consisting of 5 voting members (2 CPM-credentialed midwives, 1 CPM or CM-credentialed midwife, 1 Certified Nurse Midwife, 1 obstetrician) and 1 non-voting pediatrician to regulate midwifery practice in Delaware.

• Creates licensure requirements for midwives including: age 21+, high school diploma, valid CPM or CM credential from national organizations, specified education in obstetrics and related fields, and practical experience with prenatal care, deliveries, and postpartum care.

• Grants the Council authority to promulgate rules and regulations governing midwifery practice, including continuing education, ethical standards, record-keeping, informed consent, equipment/drug authorization, risk identification, and scope of practice limitations.

• Establishes disciplinary procedures allowing the Council to recommend suspension, revocation, or probation of licenses for unprofessional conduct, with hearings conducted by 3-member panels (1 physician, 2 midwives).

• Requires that out-of-hospital births be reported as pre-planned, and permits licensed midwives to file birth certificates when no physician is in attendance.