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GA HB910

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/5/2020

Primary Sponsor

Karen Mathiak

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2019-2020 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Repeals the existing midwifery chapter under Georgia's health code (Title 31, Chapter 26) and establishes a new licensure and regulatory framework for midwives under Title 43, known as the "Georgia Licensed Midwife Act"
  • Requires applicants to hold current certification as a Certified Professional Midwife from the North American Registry of Midwives, complete a MEAC-accredited education program (or obtain a Midwifery Bridge Certificate if certified before January 1, 2020), and pass a criminal background check to obtain licensure from the Secretary of State
  • Creates a six-member Advisory Group for Licensed Midwives—comprising three certified professional midwives, one certified nurse midwife, one physician, and one consumer member—to advise the Secretary of State on rules, fees, discipline, and continuing education
  • Beginning January 1, 2021, prohibits any person from practicing midwifery, using the title "licensed midwife" or "L.M.," or holding themselves out as a licensed midwife without a license; violations constitute a misdemeanor and result in automatic license revocation
  • Authorizes licensed midwives to provide out-of-hospital prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care, including ordering lab tests and ultrasounds, administering specified medications (e.g., Pitocin, IV fluids, antibiotics for Group B Strep prophylaxis), and filing birth certificates

Legislative Description

Georgia Licensed Midwife Act; enact

Last Action

House Second Readers

2/19/2020

Full Bill Text

No bill text available