MI HB4598

Creates a licensure program for midwives in Michigan, effective 90 days after enactment, requiring completion of an accredited educational program, a certified professional midwife credential, and passage of an approved examination.

Establishes the Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery with 12 members including seven midwives, one certified nurse midwife, two physicians (one OB-GYN and one pediatrician), and two public members.

Sets licensing fees of $450 for application processing (reduced to $75 after $23,000 total collected), $200 annual license fee, and $200 annual temporary license fee for a 24-month nonrenewable temporary license pathway.

Defines the scope of midwifery practice as providing maternity care during antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods, prohibiting prescription of medications and use of vacuum extractors or forceps, with limited authority to administer specific drugs under standing prescriptions from health care providers.

Requires midwives to establish patient transfer protocols to physicians or hospitals, obtain informed consent including disclosure of malpractice insurance coverage, and report patient data to the MANA Statistical Registry unless refused by the patient.