The House Professional Licensure Committee on Oct. 31 reported Senate Bill 507, which would establish licensure for certified midwives in Pennsylvania and modernize collaborative arrangements for midwives.

"Senate bill 5 0 7 establishes licensure for certified midwives in Pennsylvania and modernizes collaborative agreements for all midwives," Carrie, committee staff, told the panel. Senator Brown, who appeared before the committee, said the legislation is intended "to improve the health and safety of our commonwealth specifically for mothers and babies, expanding access to the exceptional care that midwives provide."

Brown said the bill would mirror the certified nurse midwife scope of practice, allow certified midwives to practice in Pennsylvania and "eliminate regulatory restrictions, expand a collaborative agreement for both CNMs and CMs to include physician groups, and expand the treatment to include prescribing for opioid use disorder and initial methadone prescribing." She told the committee midwives provide prenatal care, screenings, identify high-risk pregnancies and support families through childbirth and the newborn period.

The senator also highlighted gaps in maternal care across the state, saying "22 of our 67 counties have no labor and delivery units," and argued the bill would expand access in areas with shortages of obstetric providers. The committee chair asked for discussion; none was offered. The committee reported the bill as committed with no recorded negative votes.

The bill now proceeds in the legislative process as reported from committee.