WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 175

An Act relating to midwives and the practice of midwifery; relating to apprentice midwives; renaming the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives as the Board of Licensed Midwives; relating to the Board of Licensed Midwives; extending the termination date of the Board of Licensed Midwives; relating to insurance; and providing for an effective date.

33rd Legislature (2023-2024) Introduced by Jamie Allard and 1 co-sponsor

Alaska renames its midwifery board, creates apprentice pathways, and extends the board's authority to regulate direct-entry midwife licensing and practice standards.

(H) REFERRED TO FINANCE
#boards&commissions #families #hospitals #insurance #licensing #medicalcare #nurses #occupations&professions #physicians #women
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 175

Legislative bill overview

HB 175 restructures Alaska's midwifery regulatory framework by renaming the "Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives" to the "Board of Licensed Midwives," establishes new apprentice midwife pathways, and extends the board's sunset date. The bill also modifies insurance-related provisions for midwifery practice.

Why is this important

Midwifery regulation directly affects birth options available to Alaskan families and determines professional standards for practitioners. The rebranding and apprenticeship provisions could expand the midwife workforce while the insurance modifications may affect healthcare accessibility and liability protections for both practitioners and patients.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice changes: The apprentice midwife pathway may create tiered licensure levels, raising questions about training standards, supervision requirements, and whether apprentices can practice independently
  • Insurance and liability: Modifications to insurance provisions could either expand or restrict coverage for midwifery services, affecting patient costs and practitioner protection
  • Board authority and oversight: Renaming and extending the sunset date implies regulatory changes; stakeholders may disagree on whether current oversight is adequate or needs strengthening

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

Sign in to ask a question.