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GA HB1251
Bill
Status
Introduced
6/23/2020
Primary Sponsor
Karen Mathiak
Click for details
AI Summary
- Repeals the existing midwifery chapter under Georgia's health code (Title 31, Chapter 26) and creates the "Georgia Licensed Midwife Act" under Title 43, requiring all persons practicing midwifery or using the title "licensed midwife" to hold a state license beginning January 1, 2021
- Requires licensure applicants to be at least 21 years old, hold current certification as a certified professional midwife from the North American Registry of Midwives, complete an accredited midwifery education program (or obtain a Bridge Certificate if certified before December 31, 2023), and pass a criminal background check
- Creates a six-member Advisory Group for Licensed Midwives—appointed by the Secretary of State—consisting of three certified professional midwives, one certified nurse midwife, one physician with out-of-hospital birth experience, and one consumer member, serving staggered three-year terms without compensation
- Authorizes licensed midwives to provide prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care in out-of-hospital settings, order laboratory tests and ultrasounds, administer specified medications (e.g., Pitocin, IV fluids, vitamin K, oxygen, antibiotics for Group B Strep prophylaxis), and file birth certificates, while prohibiting them from performing surgical deliveries, using forceps or vacuum extractors, administering epidurals or narcotics, or inducing abortion
- Shields healthcare providers and hospitals from vicarious liability for a midwife's acts unless an employment or agency relationship exists, and sets a reckless disregard standard for liability when providers render emergency care arising from a licensed midwife's delivery; violations of the chapter constitute a misdemeanor with automatic license revocation
Legislative Description
Georgia Licensed Midwife Act; enact
Last Action
House Second Readers
6/25/2020
Full Bill Text
No bill text available