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Bill

A 3526

Provides for the licensure of lactation consultants and the establishment of a lactation consultant licensing board

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karen McMahon and 4 co-sponsors

Bill A 3526 requires lactation consultants to be licensed, ensuring qualified support for breastfeeding mothers and infants through established professional standards.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 3526

Summary of Bill A 3526

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 3526
  • Title: Provides for the licensure of lactation consultants and the establishment of a lactation consultant licensing board
  • Status: Referred to Higher Education
  • Introduced: January 28, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 3526 aims to establish a formal licensing process for lactation consultants in order to ensure that individuals providing lactation support and education meet specific professional standards. The intent is to enhance the quality of care for breastfeeding mothers and their infants by regulating the practice of lactation consulting.

Key Provisions

  • Licensure Requirement: The bill mandates that all lactation consultants must obtain a license to practice, ensuring that they have met established educational and training criteria.
  • Lactation Consultant Licensing Board: The bill proposes the creation of a dedicated board responsible for overseeing the licensure process. This board will set standards for education, training, and continuing education for lactation consultants.
  • Application and Renewal Process: The bill outlines the procedures for applying for a license, including necessary qualifications and documentation. It also specifies the process for license renewal, which may include continuing education requirements.
  • Enforcement and Penalties: The bill includes provisions for enforcement of licensure requirements and establishes penalties for individuals practicing without a license.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Lactation Consultants: Individuals currently working as lactation consultants will need to comply with the new licensing requirements.
  • Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that employ lactation consultants will need to ensure that their staff are licensed.
  • Mothers and Infants: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are breastfeeding mothers and their infants, who will receive care from qualified professionals.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 28, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Higher Education committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: The bill is part of a series of related bills from prior sessions (A 357, A 235, A 8359, A 1189, A 2297, A 722) that may address similar issues regarding lactation support and education.

Conclusion

Bill A 3526 represents a significant step towards professionalizing the field of lactation consulting. By establishing licensure and a governing board, the bill aims to improve standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their infants, ensuring that they receive support from qualified professionals. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final provisions and implementation timeline of this important measure.

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

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