AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

SB 478 amends licensing rules for midwives to expand their prescribing authority for specific medications related to maternal and infant health. Certified midwives (CNMs/CMs) would be permitted to prescribe up to 51 listed medications - including antibiotics for infections, medications for hemorrhage, prenatal vitamins, vaccines, and pain management - under oversight by the Department of Health. This directly affects licensed midwives and their patients by allowing midwives to address common health needs during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum without requiring physician referrals for these specific treatments. The bill does not change midwives' scope for complex medical conditions but formalizes existing practices for routine care. It is pending further committee review after a recent recommendation to hold it for additional study.