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Bill Summary · SB 274

Legislative bill overview

SB 274 addresses regulatory and licensing matters related to midwives in Hawaii. The bill has been referred to multiple committees including Health and Human Services, Consumer Protection and Commerce, and Ways and Means, suggesting it involves both healthcare regulation and potential fiscal implications. The bill was carried over to the 2026 Regular Session, indicating it did not advance to a vote in 2025.

Why is this important

Midwifery regulation directly affects maternal healthcare access and consumer protection in Hawaii. This legislation could impact licensing requirements, scope of practice, insurance coverage, and the availability of alternative birthing options for pregnant individuals across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries – Disagreement over which medical procedures midwives can legally perform versus services requiring physician oversight
  • Licensing and credentialing standards – Tension between ensuring safety through rigorous requirements versus maintaining accessibility through reasonable pathways to licensure
  • Insurance and liability coverage – Questions about whether expanded midwifery services would be covered by insurance and how malpractice liability is allocated

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

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