House Health Committee backs bill letting certified nurse midwives sign fetal-death reports

HARRISBURG — The House Health Committee voted to report House Bill 18 51, as amended, which would permit certified nurse midwives to complete fetal-death reports under Pennsylvania law.

Representative Mays, speaking on behalf of sponsor Representative Curry, told the committee the change “aligns the law with [midwives’] professional role” and will “streamline reporting, reduce unnecessary delays, and ensure that families experiencing profound loss are not burdened with additional procedural hurdles.” She said midwives who serve as the primary birth attendant in hospitals, birthing centers or home births are often the clinician most familiar with the circumstances of a labor and delivery.

The amendment adopted in committee (A02201) was described by the chair as a measure to create uniform language within the Vital Statistics Act and to expressly authorize certified midwives licensed by the appropriate board to declare fetal death. Chair Rapp told members he would support the amendment, and no negative votes were recorded during consideration.

Supporters said the amendment clarifies statutory language and removes administrative barriers that can delay completion of required paperwork following a fetal death, particularly in settings where a physician may not be immediately available. Opponents raised no formal objections during committee consideration.

The committee reported House Bill 18 51 as amended unanimously.

The bill next moves to the full House for further consideration; committee members did not set a floor date during the meeting.