SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House can pass a bill next month to allow certified nurse midwives to help address the state's maternal healthcare deserts.

Pregnancy, pregnant mother, maternal health, doctor

Home birth services could be provided by certified midwives if they have a written collaborative agreement with local doctors or other healthcare providers.

Advanced practice registered nurses certified as midwives would also have the ability to provide out of hospital births if they have been granted clinical privileges from a birth center.

"In health provider shortage areas and maternity care deserts, a CNM can collaborate with a CNM with full practice authority," said Debra Broadfield with the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing. 

House Bill 2688 passed unanimously out of the House Healthcare Licenses Committee and now moves to the House floor. 

Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis), Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro), and Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) are all co-sponsors of the legislation. 

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