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SB 36

Health: occupations; Michigan essential health provider recruitment strategy; expand to include midwives. Amends secs. 2701, 2705, 2709 & 2723 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2701 et seq.).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan expands health workforce recruitment program to include certified midwives in underserved areas to improve maternal healthcare access.

referred to Committee on Health Policy
#healthoccupations:midwives #health:occupations
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Bill Summary · SB 36

Legislative bill overview

SB 36 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to include certified midwives in the state's Essential Health Provider Recruitment Strategy, a program designed to address healthcare workforce shortages in underserved areas. The bill expands existing recruitment and support mechanisms that currently apply to physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to also encompass midwifery services.

Why is this important

Michigan faces significant gaps in maternal healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved urban communities. By formally recognizing midwives as essential health providers eligible for recruitment incentives and support programs, the bill aims to improve access to prenatal care, childbirth services, and postpartum support in areas where obstetric capacity is limited or nonexistent.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice clarity: Legislation must clearly define which midwifery credentials qualify (e.g., Certified Nurse Midwives vs. other certifications) to avoid implementation confusion and ensure patient safety standards
  • Insurance and liability coverage: Expansion of midwifery services may require clarification on Medicaid reimbursement rates, insurance coverage, and malpractice liability frameworks
  • Coordination with existing providers: Questions remain about how recruitment incentives for midwives will coordinate with physician recruitment efforts and whether this represents resource reallocation or genuine expansion of maternal health capacity

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

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