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Bill

S 5222

Permits midwives and physician assistants to certify the cause of death on a fetal death certificate

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare and 3 co-sponsors

Bill S 5222 allows midwives and physician assistants to certify fetal death, improving documentation for families and recognizing their vital role in maternal health care.

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · S 5222

Summary of Bill S 5222

Title: Permits midwives and physician assistants to certify the cause of death on a fetal death certificate
Bill Number: S 5222
Status: Reported and Committed to Higher Education
Introduced: February 19, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 5222 aims to expand the authority of midwives and physician assistants by allowing them to certify the cause of death on fetal death certificates. This legislative change seeks to improve the process of documenting fetal deaths and enhance the role of these healthcare professionals in maternal and fetal health care.

Key Provisions

  • Certification Authority: The bill specifically permits licensed midwives and physician assistants to complete and sign fetal death certificates, which currently may only be certified by physicians.
  • Documentation Improvement: By allowing these professionals to certify the cause of death, the bill aims to streamline the process and ensure that families receive timely documentation during a sensitive period.
  • Scope of Practice: The legislation acknowledges the expertise of midwives and physician assistants in managing pregnancy and childbirth, thereby expanding their scope of practice in a meaningful way.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Midwives and Physician Assistants: This bill directly impacts licensed midwives and physician assistants by granting them additional responsibilities and recognition in the healthcare system.
  • Families Experiencing Fetal Loss: Families who experience a fetal death would benefit from a more efficient certification process, potentially reducing delays in obtaining necessary documentation.
  • Healthcare System: The bill may lead to a more integrated approach to maternal and fetal health care, as midwives and physician assistants play a crucial role in supporting families during pregnancy and loss.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:

    • Introduced: February 19, 2025
    • Referred to Health Committee: February 19, 2025
    • Reported and Committed to Higher Education: April 29, 2025

  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session bills S 8466 and S 3451, as well as companion bill A 1351, which may address similar issues or provide context for the current legislative effort.

Conclusion

Bill S 5222 represents a significant step towards recognizing the roles of midwives and physician assistants in the healthcare system, particularly in the sensitive area of fetal death certification. By expanding their authority, the bill aims to improve the experience for families facing loss and enhance the overall efficiency of the healthcare process.

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

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