Bill
HB 1194
House Bill 1194 modernizes midwifery in Arkansas by updating licensure, enhancing care standards, integrating cultural practices, and improving data management for better maternal health.
House Bill 1194 (HB 1194) is a legislative measure that became law in Arkansas on May 5, 2025, without the Governor's signature. The bill focuses on the practice of midwifery, specifically addressing the roles and responsibilities of certified midwives and certified professional midwives.
The primary intent of HB 1194 is to amend existing laws related to midwifery in Arkansas. This includes enhancing the regulatory framework governing midwives, ensuring the integration of native Hawaiian and customary practices, and establishing clearer guidelines for licensure, data submission, and peer review processes.
HB 1194 introduces several significant changes to the regulation of midwifery in Arkansas:
Licensure and Renewal: The bill outlines new requirements for the licensure and renewal of certified midwives and certified professional midwives, ensuring that practitioners meet updated standards of practice.
Data Submission: It mandates the submission of specific data related to midwifery practices, which will aid in monitoring and improving midwifery services across the state.
Medical Records: The legislation establishes guidelines for the management and confidentiality of medical records maintained by midwives.
Prescriptive Authority: The bill clarifies the prescriptive authority of midwives, allowing them to prescribe certain medications within their scope of practice.
Peer Review: HB 1194 introduces a peer review process to enhance the quality of care provided by midwives, fostering accountability and professional development.
Integration of Cultural Practices: The bill recognizes and incorporates native Hawaiian and customary practices into the midwifery framework, promoting cultural competency in maternal care.
The enactment of HB 1194 will affect:
Midwives: Certified midwives and certified professional midwives will need to comply with the new licensure requirements and data submission protocols.
Patients: Expecting mothers and families will benefit from improved standards of care and the incorporation of culturally relevant practices in midwifery.
Healthcare System: The bill aims to enhance the overall quality of maternal healthcare services in Arkansas, potentially leading to better health outcomes for mothers and infants.
In summary, HB 1194 represents a significant step towards modernizing midwifery practice in Arkansas, ensuring that it aligns with contemporary healthcare standards while respecting cultural practices.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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