NC H522

Establishes licensing requirements for certified professional midwives (CPMs) in North Carolina, effective January 1, 2012, requiring practitioners to be licensed by the state to practice midwifery.

Creates the North Carolina Council of Certified Professional Midwives with seven members (four CPMs, one physician, one nurse midwife, one consumer) to administer licensing, set fees, investigate violations, and discipline licensees.

Requires applicants to obtain NARM certification, complete CPR and neonatal resuscitation training, and graduate from a MEAC-accredited school by December 31, 2013, with initial licenses valid for three years and renewal every two years thereafter.

Specifies midwife responsibilities including providing prenatal and postpartum care for healthy pregnancies, developing emergency plans, maintaining birth certificates, and obtaining informed consent from clients.

Authorizes the Council to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for violations including false information, criminal convictions, incompetency, substance abuse, or willful violations of the licensing law, with reinstatement possible if grounds for revocation no longer exist.