Home Birth Safety Act (HB0677) Summary

• Creates licensure for certified professional midwives: Establishes the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife (LCPM) credential, administered by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, effective January 1, 2019.

• Sets educational and qualification requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, hold high school diploma, obtain CPM certification from the North American Registry of Midwives, complete current CPR and neonatal resuscitation training, and pass criminal background check.

• Defines scope of practice: LCPMs may provide prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care for low-risk pregnancies in out-of-hospital settings, including newborn care for up to 72 hours; prohibited from performing cesarean sections, managing multifetal gestations, and breech deliveries, or prescribing medications.

• Establishes Illinois Midwifery Board: Creates a 9-member board including three licensed midwives, physicians, pediatrician, advanced practice nurses, and public member to recommend standards and conduct disciplinary hearings.

• Sunsets in 2028: The Act includes a repeal date of January 1, 2028, under Illinois' Regulatory Sunset Act; also makes conforming amendments to Medical Practice Act, Nurse Practice Act, and Illinois Public Aid Code to recognize licensed midwives.