The passage of SB370 will have significant implications for midwifery practice in Hawaii. It will clarify the scope of practice for licensed midwives, enabling them to operate in various settings, including hospitals and community birthing facilities. Additionally, the bill mandates that midwives’ services be eligible for insurance reimbursement, which is expected to improve access for families seeking these services. A notable aspect is the prohibition against individuals falsely claiming midwifery certification unless they hold the appropriate license, aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring care quality.
Summary
SB370 aims to continue the licensure of certified midwives and certified professional midwives in Hawaii while also expanding the framework of practice for these professionals. The bill builds on previous legislation, Act 32, which established a licensure program for non-nurse midwives. By re-establishing this framework, SB370 intends to provide a legal basis for all birth practitioners in Hawaii, ensuring that midwifery practices are recognized and regulated, thus enhancing access to safe and culturally appropriate maternity care. This move addresses growing concerns regarding the increase of unlicensed midwifery practices in the state.
Contention
The bill includes provisions that re-establish a home birth task force, tasked with providing insights and recommendations related to home births and midwifery practices in Hawaii. This is particularly relevant in a state facing challenges concerning maternal health care access, especially in rural areas. Critics may argue that while the intent is to enhance safety and professionalism, the bill must also accommodate the needs of traditional birth practitioners who contribute to cultural diversity in birth practices. Ensuring that these practitioners can continue their work without excessive regulatory barriers remains a point of debate.
Health occupation definitions amended to include licensed certified midwife, licensure established for certified midwives, civil and criminal penalties established, and medical assistance coverage expanded to licensed certified midwife services.