Midwifery: California Board of Licensed Midwives.

Existing law, the Licensed Midwifery Practice Act of 1993, provides for the licensure of midwives by the Medical Board of California and requires the board to create and appoint a Midwifery Advisory Council to make recommendations on matters specified by the board. This bill would eliminate the Midwifery Advisory Council, would establish the California Board of Licensed Midwives within the Department of Consumer Affairs, and would transfer the duties and jurisdiction of the Medical Board of California to the California Board of Licensed Midwives. The bill would make these provisions operative only until January 1, 2027, and, upon repeal of those provisions, would make the California Board of Licensed Midwives subject to review by the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature. This bill would require the California Board of Licensed Midwives to consist of 7 members, subject to specified provisions regarding appointment, term limits, and payment. The bill would authorize that board to hold meetings, as specified, and employ personnel as necessary. The bill would require the board to post specified information on their internet website, and, in consultation with the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, utilize a coding system to assist in both effective reporting and the aggregation of data. The bill would authorize the board to adopt, amend, or repeal regulations necessary to enable the board to carry into effect these provisions, as specified.