Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB507

Introduced
3/21/25  

Caption

Amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), entitled "An act relating to the right to practice medicine and surgery and the right to practice medically related acts; reestablishing the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure as the State Board of Medicine and providing for its composition, powers and duties; providing for the issuance of licenses and certificates and the suspension and revocation of licenses and certificates; provided penalties; and making repeals," further providing for definitions, for midwifery and for nurse-midwife license; and providing for certified midwife license.

Impact

If enacted, SB 507 will significantly impact the regulation of midwifery within Pennsylvania. The bill sets forth criteria that midwives must fulfill to obtain a certified midwife license, emphasizing both academic qualifications and clinical practice standards. The legislation will enhance the scope of practice for midwives, enabling them to prescribe medications and manage patient care more comprehensively. However, they must work under collaborative agreements with physicians, thus maintaining a connection with traditional healthcare systems.

Summary

Senate Bill 507 aims to amend the Medical Practice Act of 1985 in Pennsylvania, particularly focusing on the provisions surrounding midwifery and nursing practices. The bill introduces a new certification for certified midwives, allowing them to practice independently under specific conditions. It also outlines the educational requirements necessary for obtaining the certification and lays down the conditions under which these midwives can prescribe medications, including controlled substances.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 507 appears mixed. Proponents advocate for the bill as a means to empower midwives and improve maternal healthcare access through enhanced midwifery services. They argue that reducing restrictions and enhancing the qualifications for certified midwives can lead to better care for pregnant individuals. On the other hand, some critics express concerns that the expanded powers for midwives may not ensure adequate medical oversight and could raise safety issues without stringent regulations to accompany such changes.

Contention

Notable points of contention relate to the degree of independence certified midwives will have, particularly concerning their ability to prescribe medications without direct oversight from physicians. The balance between increasing access to midwifery services and ensuring patient safety through adequate medical supervision is a primary focus of the debates surrounding the bill. The requirement for a collaborative agreement with a physician is seen as a safeguard, yet it also raises questions about the autonomy of certified midwives in practice.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1262

Further providing for definitions, for midwifery and for nurse-midwife license; and providing for certified midwife license.

PA HB1000

Further providing for definitions, for State Board of Psychology and for powers of the board; providing for prescription certificate, for prescribing and administrative practices and for controlled substances; and further providing for refusal, suspension or revocation of license, for reporting of multiple licensure and for penalties and injunctions against unlawful practice.

PA HB1825

Further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist license required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

PA HB1491

Further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of board, for training and license required and exceptions, for qualifications for license, examinations, failure of examinations, licensure without examination, issuing of license, foreign applicants for licensure, temporary license and perjury, for continuing education, for practice of physical therapy and for physical therapist assistant, education and examination, scope of duties and certification.

PA HB1564

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.

PA HB2354

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA SB1019

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.

PA HB2413

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA SB1281

Further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees; further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification; repealing provisions relating to radiologic procedures and education and training required; and making a repeal.

PA HB19

Further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts; and further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification.

Similar Bills

PA SB1262

Further providing for definitions, for midwifery and for nurse-midwife license; and providing for certified midwife license.

VA HB145

Physician assistants; practice.

VA HB2391

Certified registered nurse anesthetists; elimination of supervision requirement.

VA HB1322

Certified registered nurse anesthetist; elimination of supervision requirement.

VA HB1322

Certified registered nurse anesthetist; elimination of supervision requirement.

VA HB978

Advanced practice registered nurses and licensed certified midwives; joint licensing.

VA SB351

Advanced practice registered nurses and licensed certified midwives; joint licensing.

VA HB978

Advanced practice registered nurses and licensed certified midwives; joint licensing.