NC H1169

Allows certified nurse-midwives to practice independently after completing 24 months and 2,400 hours of practice, removing the requirement for physician supervision while requiring a collaborative provider agreement for less experienced midwives.

Expands the scope of midwifery practice to include additional gynecologic care (perimenopause, postmenopause), newborn resuscitation and emergency management, and postpartum complication management.

Authorizes certified nurse-midwives to prescribe drugs under conditions similar to nurse practitioners, requiring approval from the joint Medical Board-Board of Nursing subcommittee.

Requires certified nurse-midwives attending planned out-of-hospital births to obtain signed informed consent from patients, disclose insurance coverage, and provide detailed emergency transfer plans to the nearest operating room facility.

Limits vicarious liability for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and health care facilities providing emergency care to patients of certified nurse-midwives at out-of-hospital births, while maintaining liability for their own negligence.