SB1973: Home Birth Safety Act - Summary

• Creates licensure and regulatory framework for licensed certified professional midwives (LCPMs) under the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, effective January 1, 2021.

• Establishes qualification requirements including CPM certification from NARM, completion of accredited midwifery education (MEAC-accredited after 2024), current CPR certification, and neonatal resuscitation training within 2 years.

• Creates the Illinois Midwifery Board with 9 members (3 LCPMs, 2 nurse midwives, 1 OB physician, 1 family practice physician, 1 pediatrician, 1 public member) to advise on rules, conduct disciplinary hearings, and recommend continuing education.

• Defines scope of practice limited to low-risk pregnancies in out-of-hospital settings, including prenatal/intra-partum/postpartum care and newborn care up to 72 hours, with required consultation and transfer protocols for specified risk factors.

• Requires continuing education (24 hours per 2-year cycle including peer review), annual reporting of patient outcomes and complications, and sets January 1, 2030 as repeal date under the Regulatory Sunset Act.