WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2598

Nurses, Nursing - As enacted, requires the commissioner of health to use existing resources to conduct a study of neighboring states to examine the varying levels of practice independence that may or may not be granted to certified nurse midwives in such states; requires the commissioner to compile the findings of the study and any recommendations in a report and transmit the report to the general assembly no later than December 31, 2026. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 56, Chapter 32, Part 1; Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 24; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, Chapter 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Karen Camper

Tennessee health commissioner must study neighboring states' nurse midwife practice regulations and report findings by December 2026 to inform potential scope-of-practice policy changes.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 728
#nurses #nursing
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2598

Legislative bill overview

HB 2598 directs Tennessee's health commissioner to study how neighboring states regulate certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and the varying levels of practice independence they allow. The commissioner must compile findings and recommendations into a report due to the general assembly by December 31, 2026.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a potential workforce and healthcare access issue in Tennessee. CNMs currently operate under varying restrictions that may differ from neighboring states, and understanding these differences could inform policy decisions about expanding or modifying midwifery scope of practice—which affects maternal healthcare availability, particularly in underserved areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope creep concerns: Some may worry that findings supporting expanded CNM independence could lead to legislation reducing physician oversight in obstetric care, raising patient safety questions
  • Predetermined outcomes: Opponents may view the study as foundational work toward expanding CNM practice authority, rather than purely informational research
  • Resource allocation: Critics could argue using state resources for a comparative study diverts funding from other health priorities when the legislature could simply review existing data

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

Sign in to ask a question.