Plain English Summary
This bill creates a state licensing system for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in North Carolina, establishing the North Carolina Council of Midwives to set standards, issue licenses, and oversee midwifery practice. The bill defines the qualifications, responsibilities, and scope of practice for licensed midwives while requiring them to maintain national certification and collaborate with physicians when necessary.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this bill increases access to midwifery care, particularly for underserved communities, while establishing professional standards and consumer protections through licensure and oversight. They contend that regulation improves safety by requiring certified midwives to maintain emergency training, develop transfer plans, and work within defined scope of practice limits, while also recognizing midwifery as a legitimate healthcare profession alongside nurse-midwives and physicians.
Arguments Against
Opponents may worry that licensing CPMs could create liability concerns for hospitals and physicians if midwives practice outside their competency, and question whether state oversight adequately protects maternal and infant safety compared to existing nurse-midwife regulations. Some may also express concerns about the creation of another regulatory agency, associated costs through licensing fees, and whether this expands access or simply creates new bureaucratic requirements for practitioners already operating in the state.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 106
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 102
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 49
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 88
Cosponsors (20)
Representative · District 18
Representative · District 114
Representative · District 100
Representative · District 115
Representative · District 27
Representative · District 41
Representative · District 30
Representative · District 8
Representative · District 72
Representative · District 64
Representative · District 50
Representative · District 36
Representative · District 56
Representative · District 92
Representative · District 61
Representative · District 29
Representative · District 98
Representative · District 11
Representative · District 31
Representative · District 101