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Committee adopts amendment to create licensure path for certified midwives
Summary
An amendment to Senate file 13,54 would create licensure for certified midwives under the Board of Nursing to expand midwifery access in areas with maternal health care shortages; the committee adopted the amendment.
The State and Local Government Committee adopted a delete‑all A1 amendment on April 8 that adds licensure for certified midwives under the Board of Nursing.
Senator Bolden presented the amendment to Senate file 13,54 and said Minnesota has maternal health care deserts in many areas and that certified midwives could help address disparities for marginalized and underserved pregnant people. "This bill aims to add a new path into midwifery through a certified midwife," Bolden said, noting the language mirrors licensing provisions that currently exist for certified nurse midwives.
The sponsor said the proposal is bipartisan and has support from the Board of Nursing and other midwifery stakeholders. Senator Johnson Stewart asked a clarifying question about whether certified nurse midwives would remain in place; the sponsor confirmed the bill creates an additional licensure path and does not change certified nurse midwife licensure.
The committee adopted the A1 amendment by voice vote and indicated the file could be considered for possible inclusion in the omnibus package. No formal opposition was recorded during the April 8 hearing.
