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HB 487

AN ACT relating to the practice of lactation consultation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Callaway and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a state-licensing framework for lactation consultants, creating standards, an advisory council, and regulatory enforcement to ensure qualified providers.

to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 487

Summary of HB 487 (2026RS) — Kentucky

Main purpose and intent

HB 487 proposes to establish a regulated framework for the practice of lactation consultation in Kentucky. The bill creates licensure requirements, a dedicated advisory council, and related regulatory and disciplinary mechanisms to standardize who may provide lactation consulting and how programs and services are overseen.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions and scope (Section 1)

    • Establishes terms: Board (Kentucky Board of Nursing), Council (Kentucky Advisory Council of Licensed Lactation Consultants), IBLCE, IBCLC, lactation consultant, lactation consultation, and the practice of lactation consultation.
    • Defines lactation consultation as the clinical application of evidence-based methods to evaluate, plan, educate, and follow up with families on lactation and feeding, including documentation and coordination with other health professionals.

  • Advisory Council (Section 2)

    • Creates the Kentucky Advisory Council of Licensed Lactation Consultants attached to the Board of Nursing.
    • Council composition: 1 nonvoting board member, 4 licensed lactation consultants with relevant practice experience, and 1 at-large citizen.
    • Responsibilities: advise the board on qualifications, training standards, certification updates (IBLCE), regulatory changes, and other matters related to licensed lactation consultants.
    • Operations: terms up to 4 years, annual chair election, meetings at least semiannually, quorum of 3 voting members, reimbursement of expenses.

  • Regulatory framework (Section 3)

    • The board, guided by council input, will promulgate regulations under KRS Chapter 13A for:
    • Training program standards aligned with IBLCE policies.
    • Licensing requirements and issuance/renewal processes (licenses not available to organizations, only individuals).
    • Endorsement licensing for out-of-state practitioners in good standing with substantially equivalent standards.
    • Disciplinary actions and associated fees (initial license, renewal, reinstatement, endorsements; total fees not to exceed $100 per license).
    • Informed-consent requirements and any other necessary provisions for licensed lactation services.

  • Background checks (Section 4)

    • The board may require criminal background checks (fingerprinting via Kentucky State Police and FBI) for license applicants.

  • Prohibitions and enforcement (Section 5)

    • It is unlawful to:
    • Represent oneself as a licensed lactation consultant without a valid license;
    • Operate or advertise a school/program of lactation consultation without board approval.
    • Mandatory reporting: employers or others with knowledge of violations must report to the board.
    • Ineligibility: individuals listed on the nurse aide abuse registry (substantiated abuse/neglect/misappropriation) cannot provide lactation consultation.
    • Scope of practice: the act does not apply to licensed health care providers acting within their established scope of practice.

Who and what would be affected

  • Licensed lactation consultants would need to obtain and maintain a state license (and potentially endure background checks).
  • Lactation care providers and programs/schools would require board approval to offer or advertise training or programs in lactation consultation.
  • Employers and patients/families would benefit from standardized qualifications, informed consent practices, and clearer accountability and reporting mechanisms.
  • New entrants from out-of-state with substantially equivalent credentials could seek endorsement licenses.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill establishes a process for ongoing regulation, licensing, and discipline to be implemented by the Board of Nursing, informed by the Council.
  • It sets terms, meeting schedules, and governance for the Council and directs the board to adopt regulations per the standard regulatory process (KRS 13A).
  • Effective dates and specific implementation timelines would follow regulatory promulgation after passage.

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

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