[Click here for larger version of map. File size: 23K]

Direct entry midwives are individuals who practice midwifery without having earned a nursing credential. During the 1999 state legislative sessions, bills were introduced (but did not pass) in IA and SD that would have legalized and regulated direct entry midwifery practice. A bill in GA that did not pass would have required a committee to study the issues surrounding the legalization of direct entry midwifery practice. Legislation enacted in VA requires state entities to examine the advisability of legalizing direct entry midwifery. While direct entry midwives are legal in TN, IN, and MN but not regulated, legislation was introduced but did not pass in TN that would have required direct entry midwives to be regulated through certification. IN legislation that did not pass would have established a Midwifery Board and required the Department of Insurance to adopt rules for reimbursement of services. MN passed legislation providing for voluntary licensing of direct entry midwives. In AK, OR, NH and MT, direct entry midwives are currently legal and regulated. Legislation was enacted in AK to extend the expiration date of the Board of Certified Direct Entry Midwives. OR passed legislation to authorize the governor to appoint members of the midwifery board. NH enacted legislation to establish a midwifery board and require certified midwives to comply with continuing education requirements. Legislation that passed in MT requires direct entry midwives to be certified in neonatal resuscitation, and subjects unlicensed practitioners to criminal prosecution.

1999 State Legislative Trends main page