MD HB838

Licensed direct-entry midwives may now practice independently without oversight by another health care practitioner, though consultation and transfer requirements for specific medical conditions remain in place.

The definition of "patient" is changed from "woman" to "individual," and terminology is updated from "breastfeeding" to "lactation" support throughout the statute.

Several conditions are moved from mandatory transfer-of-care requirements to consultation-only requirements, including Rh sensitization with positive antibody titer, prepregnancy BMI outside 18.5-35 range, and significant fetal congenital anomalies.

The previous requirement for midwives to submit annual statistical reports to the Direct-Entry Midwifery Advisory Committee is repealed and replaced with reporting requirements to be adopted by the State Board of Nursing through regulations.

The Maryland Licensure of Direct-Entry Midwives Act termination date is extended from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2030, with the law taking effect June 1, 2025.