Ohio's House Bill 224, introduced on April 7, 2025, aims to enhance maternity care by establishing clearer protocols for certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives involved in home births. The bill seeks to address the growing demand for personalized maternity care options while ensuring patient safety through structured transfer of care plans.

Key provisions of the bill require certified nurse-midwives and midwives to create individualized transfer of care plans for each patient planning a home birth. These plans must include assessments of the patient, fetus, and newborn throughout the maternity care cycle, determining when a transfer to a hospital or facility is necessary. Additionally, the bill mandates that these plans specify the names and locations of nearby hospitals equipped to handle emergencies.

The Ohio Board of Nursing will play a crucial role in implementing the bill by adopting rules that consider relevant peer-reviewed medical literature and outline the content and format for obtaining informed consent from patients. This regulatory framework aims to ensure that both practitioners and patients are well-informed and prepared for any potential complications during home births.

Debate surrounding House Bill 224 has highlighted concerns about the safety of home births and the adequacy of emergency response protocols. Supporters argue that the bill empowers women by providing more choices in their maternity care while maintaining safety standards. Critics, however, express worries that home births may pose risks without immediate access to hospital facilities.

The implications of this legislation are significant. By formalizing the process for home births, the bill could lead to increased confidence among expectant mothers considering this option. It also reflects a broader trend in healthcare towards personalized and patient-centered care. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its potential impact on maternal health outcomes in Ohio will be closely monitored by healthcare professionals and advocates alike.