MD SB854

Licensed direct-entry midwives may now practice independently without oversight by another health care practitioner, except for required transfers and consultations for specific medical conditions

Removes the requirement for midwives to notify pediatric providers at the onset of active labor and within 24 hours after delivery; retains the 72-hour health records transfer requirement

Eliminates the detailed annual reporting requirements to the Direct-Entry Midwifery Advisory Committee, replacing them with reporting requirements to be adopted by the Board of Nursing in regulations

Moves several conditions from mandatory transfer of care to consultation-only requirements, including Rh sensitization with positive antibody titer, pre-pregnancy BMI outside normal range, and significant fetal congenital anomalies

Extends the sunset date for the Maryland Licensure of Direct-Entry Midwives Act from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2030; effective June 1, 2025