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GM 1128

Informing the Legislature that on May 2, 2025, the following bill became law without the Governor's signature: HB1194 HD2 SD3 (ACT 028).

2025 Regular Session

Act 028 establishes permanent regulation for midwives in Hawaii, ensuring licensure, safety standards, and cultural respect to improve health outcomes for women and newborns.

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Bill Summary · GM 1128

Summary of GM 1128 - Informing the Legislature of Act 028

Bill Overview

Bill Number: GM 1128
Title: Informing the Legislature that on May 2, 2025, the following bill became law without the Governor's signature: HB1194 HD2 SD3 (ACT 028).
Status: Received
Introduced: May 5, 2025
Classification: Proclamation
Subject: Act 028

Purpose and Intent

GM 1128 serves as a formal notification to the legislature that House Bill No. 1194, which relates to the regulation of midwives, has become law as Act 028 without the Governor's signature. The intent of this legislation is to establish a permanent regulatory framework for midwifery in Hawaii, ensuring the health and safety of women and newborns through appropriate licensure and oversight.

Key Provisions of Act 028

  1. Permanent Regulation of Midwifery: The Act makes the regulatory laws governing midwifery permanent, which were previously set to expire on June 30, 2025.

  2. Licensure Requirements: It establishes clear licensure requirements for certified midwives and certified professional midwives, including mandatory continuing education.

  3. Scope of Practice: The Act clarifies the scope of practice for midwives, detailing their responsibilities and the standards they must adhere to.

  4. Prescriptive Authority: Certified midwives are granted authority to prescribe certain medications, with an updated list of approved drugs.

  5. Peer Review and Data Submission: Midwives will be required to participate in peer review processes and submit relevant data to ensure accountability and quality of care.

  6. Cultural Practices: The legislation affirms that the practice of midwifery does not interfere with Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices.

  7. Exemptions and Grounds for Licensure Actions: It clarifies exemptions from licensure and outlines the grounds for refusal or disciplinary actions regarding licenses.

  8. Medical Record Requirements: The Act specifies requirements for the availability and retention of medical records, particularly in relation to medical torts.

Impact of the Legislation

  • Midwives: The Act directly affects midwives in Hawaii by establishing a formal regulatory framework that requires licensure and adherence to specific standards of practice.
  • Public Health: By ensuring that midwifery practices are regulated, the legislation aims to enhance the safety and health outcomes for women and newborns receiving midwifery care.
  • Cultural Considerations: The Act recognizes and respects the importance of cultural practices in midwifery, allowing practitioners to incorporate traditional methods alongside regulated practices.

Procedural Aspects

  • Effective Date: The Act became law on May 2, 2025, following its passage through the legislative process without the Governor's signature.
  • Legislative History: The bill was introduced as part of ongoing efforts to regulate midwifery, following previous audits and legislative actions that highlighted the need for regulation due to potential health risks associated with unregulated midwifery practices.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of GM 1128 and its implications for midwifery regulation in Hawaii, ensuring that stakeholders are informed about the changes and requirements established by Act 028.

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

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