HB2449 - Home Birth Safety Act Summary

• Establishes licensure and regulation of certified professional midwives (CPMs) by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, effective January 1, 2021.

• Creates the Illinois Midwifery Board with 9 members (3 LCPMs, 2 physicians, 2 certified nurse midwives, 1 pediatrician, 1 public member) to recommend rules and conduct disciplinary hearings.

• Requires applicants to be at least 21 years old, hold current CPM certification from NARM, complete CPR and neonatal resuscitation training, and graduate from a MEAC-accredited midwifery program (mandatory after January 1, 2024).

• Defines scope of practice including prenatal care, labor/delivery management, postpartum care, and newborn care for low-risk pregnancies in out-of-hospital settings, with mandatory consultation and transfer protocols for high-risk conditions.

• Sets the act to sunset on January 1, 2030, and amends related statutes to recognize licensed midwives under the Medical Practice Act, Nurse Practice Act, and Illinois Public Aid Code.