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Committee advances SB 520 to create fund for new nurse‑midwifery master’s programs
Summary
SB 520 would establish the California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund to support new master's‑level nurse‑midwifery programs aimed at expanding perinatal care capacity, especially in underserved and rural areas; the bill moved to the Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Anna Caballero told the Assembly Higher Education Committee that SB 520 would create the California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund to support establishment of one or more California‑based master’s nurse‑midwifery programs at CSU or UC campuses. The committee passed the bill to Appropriations after supporters stressed shortages in maternity care providers and closures of labor and delivery units.
Why it matters: Supporters, including the California Nurse Midwives Association and community health advocates, said California faces a severe shortage of maternity‑care providers and that midwives improve outcomes at lower cost when patients have access to their services. Paris Maloufari of the California Nurse Midwives Association told the committee that only one master's nurse‑midwifery program currently operates in California (Cal State Fullerton), which graduates small cohorts (12–15 students annually).
What the fund would finance: SB 520 would create a fund within the Health Care Access and Information infrastructure (as drafted) that can accept state and private funds to support program start‑up costs: faculty hiring, simulation equipment, accreditation expenses, clinical precepting site development, marketing and student recruitment. Priority would go to programs serving areas of demonstrated workforce need with goals to retain graduates locally.
Support and testimony: Paris Maloufari (California Nurse Midwives Association), Britney Mvong (Black Wellness & Prosperity Center), and representatives of Fresno County testified about high preterm birth and maternal mortality rates and the need for local training pipelines. Fresno County supervisors submitted a letter of support, and multiple labor and health organizations voiced backing.
Questions and concerns: Members asked about program locations, workforce retention and funding sources; supporters pointed to the bill’s prioritization for underserved areas and the use of both state and private funds. Committee members expressed unanimous or broad support in discussion.
Outcome: Committee voted to pass SB 520 to the Appropriations Committee (motion recorded). Vote recorded in committee: passed to Appropriations Committee (see provenance).
