House Bill 927 - Mississippi Midwifery License Law

• Establishes licensure and regulation of professional midwifery in community settings through a new State Board of Licensed Midwifery composed of six licensed midwives, one perinatal care provider, one public member, and the State Health Department Executive Director.

• Licensed midwives may provide primary maternity care during antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods for low-risk pregnancies and may administer specific medications including vitamin K, antihemorrhagic agents, oxygen, and intravenous fluids, but are prohibited from performing surgical procedures (except episiotomy repairs) or using forceps/vacuum extraction.

• Requires health insurance plans offering maternity benefits to cover services by licensed midwives at equal copayment and deductible rates as physicians, effective January 1, 2026, with existing policies converting by January 1, 2027.

• Board must promulgate rules by July 1, 2026 establishing licensure requirements, educational standards, temporary permit issuance for apprentices and out-of-state licensed midwives, and disciplinary procedures; violations subject to $1,000 minimum fines and potential license suspension or revocation.

• Clarifies that midwifery is not the practice of medicine and requires State Department of Health to develop safe perinatal transfer certification for healthcare facilities within 24 months.