Relating to certified professional midwives

SB 189 establishes a licensing framework for certified professional midwives (CPMs) in West Virginia, requiring a license from the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses to practice midwifery or use the title "licensed midwife." The bill defines key terms like "midwife," "licensed midwife," and "collaboration" with physicians, clarifying that midwives provide primary maternity care but must refer clients needing higher medical care. It sets requirements for licensure, continuing education, temporary permits, and prohibits unlicensed practice, while outlining responsibilities for midwives including client confidentiality and proper referrals. This bill directly affects midwives seeking to legally practice and their clients by creating standardized regulations for midwifery care in the state.