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AB 1696

Emergency services and care: nurse-midwives.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Catherine Stefani

California bill expands nurse-midwives' emergency services authority to increase maternal healthcare access and workforce capacity in acute care settings.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (June 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
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Bill Summary · AB 1696

Legislative bill overview

AB 1696 expands the scope of practice for nurse-midwives in California's emergency services and healthcare system. The bill, introduced by Catherine Stefani, has been amended and is currently under review in the Health Committee as of March 2026. Specific provisions are not yet fully detailed in the public record given its early legislative stage.

Why is this important

Nurse-midwives are advanced practice clinicians who provide obstetric and gynecological care. Expanding their emergency services role could increase access to maternal healthcare, particularly in underserved areas, while also addressing workforce demands in California's healthcare system. This directly affects maternal mortality rates, emergency department capacity, and healthcare equity.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries: Opposition may arise from physicians concerned about overlapping authority, patient safety protocols, and liability in emergency settings where complications require immediate physician intervention
  • Training and credentialing standards: Debate over whether current nurse-midwife education adequately prepares practitioners for emergency medicine protocols and high-acuity decision-making
  • Insurance and liability implications: Questions about malpractice coverage, patient outcomes tracking, and institutional responsibility when nurse-midwives handle emergency cases independently

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

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