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Committee directs health commissioner to study certified nurse‑midwives' scope of practice
Summary
The Health Subcommittee voted to send a bill to the full Health Committee directing the commissioner of health to study supervisory, collaborative and independent practice models for certified nurse‑midwives and report back, aiming to inform future policy on midwifery in Tennessee.
Leader Leah Camper told the Health Subcommittee that House Bill 25‑98 would direct the commissioner of health to study levels of independent practice granted to certified nurse midwives and compare neighboring states’ models so lawmakers can make better‑informed decisions.
"What we're trying to do with this bill is direct the commissioner to look at existing resources, study what our neighboring states are doing with certified midwives' practices, examine variations of supervisory, collaborative, and independent practice models, and then report back to us," Leader Leah Camper said. The committee called the question and the clerk reported 6 ayes and 0 nays; the measure moves to the full Health Committee.
Lawmakers framed the measure as a fact‑finding step rather than an immediate change in scope of practice. Chair (presiding) noted personal support for midwifery care and emphasized that the study is intended "to make better informed decision about midwifery." The bill authorizes the commissioner to assess existing resources and report findings to the legislature, providing lawmakers more data before considering statutory changes.
