Midwifery; provide for licensure and regualtion of by health department.

HB 1389 establishes a licensure and regulatory system for professional midwives in Mississippi under the State Department of Health, creating a Midwifery Advisory Council to develop rules by July 2027. It requires health insurance plans covering maternity care to also cover services provided by licensed midwives within their scope of practice (same as physician services), prohibits discriminatory language about midwifery in coverage plans, and clarifies that midwifery is not considered medical practice. The bill directly affects licensed midwives (who must obtain a license to practice), healthcare insurers (required to cover midwifery services), and patients seeking community-based birth care. Key provisions include mandatory licensure, standardized scope of practice, confidentiality protections, and mechanisms to increase access to midwifery care in Mississippi communities.