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Committee approves bill to allow certified nurse midwives full practice authority

PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE - SENATE · March 8, 2021
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Summary

The committee passed House Bill 1215 to grant certified nurse midwives independent practice authority in Arkansas, with medical experts, midwives and March of Dimes testimony arguing it would expand access, especially in "maternity deserts," and sponsors saying credentialing safeguards remain.

The Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee voted to advance House Bill 1215, a measure to allow certified nurse midwives (CNMs) to practice to the full extent of their training without Arkansas's current interpartum/collaborative agreement requirement.

Representative Bentley, sponsor of HB1215, opened by citing Arkansas's high infant and maternal mortality rates and argued states with broader midwifery practice have better outcomes. Dr.…

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