SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new Illinois law will help address maternal healthcare deserts by empowering certified nurse midwives.
The Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing Board Members says certified nurse midwives have been providing home births and community births for years, as experienced midwives are allowed to practice without collaboration with physicians. However, new midwives have been blocked from providing community births without collaborating with a doctor for approximately two to five years until they meet requirements for full practice authority.
This law will allow experienced midwives to mentor and collaborate with new midwives to help address the issue.
"In a healthcare provider shortage area or maternal care desert, a certified midwife can collaborate with a full practice authority," said Rep. Yolanda Morris (D-Chicago).
Advanced practice registered nurses certified as midwives will also have the ability to provide out-of-hospital births if they have been granted clinical privileges from a birth center.
House Bill 2688 passed unanimously out of the House and received a 57-1 vote in the Senate.
"We are strengthening our healthcare workforce and the network of providers to facilitate a higher level of care more seamlessly," said Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). "More collaboration means better care and services for our communities and I'm proud to move this legislation into law."
These changes will take effect Jan. 1.
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