HI SB1312

Establishes a Board of Midwifery within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate certified midwives and certified professional midwives in Hawaii, with a seven-member board including midwifery practitioners, a Native Hawaiian healer, and a public member.

Requires mandatory licensing for certified midwives and certified professional midwives beginning July 1, 2020, based on national certification standards from the American Midwifery Certification Board and North American Registry of Midwives.

Exempts certified nurse midwives (already regulated by the Board of Nursing), student midwives under supervision, family caregivers, emergency responders, and traditional Native Hawaiian healers recognized by Papa Ola Lokahi from the licensing requirements.

Authorizes the Board to establish scope of practice standards, collect licensing fees, conduct disciplinary hearings, and impose fines of $100-$1,000 for first violations and refer subsequent violations for criminal prosecution as misdemeanors.

Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to convene a stakeholder working group before licensing takes effect to address issues including informed consent, transport plans, home birth protocols, and potential pathways for lay midwife licensure.