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HB 2520

An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, further providing for definitions and for midwifery.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 3 co-sponsors

HB 2520 updates midwifery definitions and licensing standards to clarify scope, regulate practice, and strengthen safety and collaboration requirements in Pennsylvania.

Referred to Children & Youth
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Bill Summary · HB 2520

Summary of HB 2520 (Session 2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

HB 2520 amends the Pennsylvania Medical Practice Act of 1985 (Act of December 20, 1985, P.L.457, No.112) to update definitions and provisions related to midwifery. The bill’s general aim is to clarify and potentially expand regulatory standards for midwives and the scope of midwifery practice within the state, while aligning certain definitions with contemporary practice and public safety considerations.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions: The bill revises or clarifies definitions relevant to midwifery and medical practice. These adjustments may affect who is considered a midwife, the scope of practice, and related regulatory terminology under the Medical Practice Act.
  • Midwifery regulation: Provisions pertain to the regulation, licensing, certification, or practice standards for midwives. The changes could establish or modify requirements for credentialing, continuing education, supervision, or collaboration with physicians.
  • Scope of practice: Revisions may expand, limit, or further delineate the activities midwives may perform, including antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care, as well as management of low-risk pregnancies versus higher-risk cases.
  • Safety and quality measures: Possible introduction or strengthening of safety protocols, referral requirements, emergency transfer rules, and collaboration with licensed physicians or health systems.
  • Administrative and enforcement provisions: Updates to enforcement mechanisms, disciplinary processes, penalties for violations, and processes for complaints or investigations related to midwifery practice.

Who is affected

  • Midwives and students: Individuals practicing or training to practice midwifery in Pennsylvania, including those seeking licensure or certification under the act.
  • Healthcare providers and facilities: Hospitals, birthing centers, and obstetric practices interacting with licensed midwives, including collaborative practice arrangements.
  • Public and patients: Pregnant individuals and newborns who may be directly impacted by the regulatory framework governing midwifery, safety standards, and access to care.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative process: As a formal bill introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, HB 2520 will undergo committee hearings, potential amendments, and must pass both chambers before being sent to the Governor for signature or veto.
  • Effective date: Any enacted provisions would take effect on dates specified within the bill, which typically occur either upon enactment or after a defined compliance period. The bill text would specify transitional rules if applicable (e.g., granting a grace period for licensure changes or phased implementation).
  • Implementation: If the bill becomes law, regulatory bodies (likely the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine or equivalent authority overseeing medical practice and midwifery) would implement updates, issue guidance, and adjust licensure processes accordingly.

Additional notes

  • The bill lists co-sponsors Andrew Kuzma, Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, and Arvind Venkat, signaling bipartisan or cross-chamber interest.
  • Specific dollar amounts, dates, percentages, or exact statutory language are not provided here; the full text would supply precise definitional changes, licensing standards, and enforcement details.

If you’d like, I can extract the exact operative sections from the bill text and provide line-by-line highlights of all changes to definitions, scope, and regulatory requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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