HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3438        FILED ON: 1/21/2011

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2904

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Vincent A. Pedone

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act establishing a special commission on direct entry midwives and home birth in the Commonwealth.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3438        FILED ON: 1/21/2011

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2904

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Eleven

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An Act establishing a special commission on direct entry midwives and home birth in the Commonwealth.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Section 1.  There is hereby established a special commission on Direct Entry Midwives and Home Birth in the Commonwealth.  The Commission shall be comprised of 9 members to be appointed by the Governor  including 1 physician licensed in the Commonwealth who is a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist; 1 physician licensed in the Commonwealth who is a Board Certified neonatologist, 1 physician licensed in the Commonwealth who is a board certified pediatrician, 1 certified nurse midwife who is a registered nurse licensed in the Commonwealth; 1 certified professional midwife who is a resident of the Commonwealth and 1 resident of the Commonwealth who is a direct entry midwife; 1 pharmacist who is licensed in the Commonwealth; 1 resident of the Commonwealth who is employed as an emergency medical technician; and the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health or his designee.

Section 2.  The commission shall meet at least monthly to review the issue of home birth and determine the potential role of Direct Entry Midwives  and Certified Professional Midwives in pre and postpartum care of women and the prenatal and postnatal care of the infant.  The commission shall consider the following: a.) access to professional liability insurance by direct entry midwives; b.) the appropriate educational requirements for Direct Entry Midwives; c.) the scope of practice of Direct Entry Midwives including but not limited to the treatment of pre and postpartum diseases and conditions d.)The procurement, possession, administration and disposal of prescription drugs; e.) The liability of emergency responders in home birth settings that require emergency intervention including EMTs other emergency responders, physicians and other hospital personnel f.) review of the nationally recognized midwifery associations.

Section 3.  The commission shall report back its findings accompanied by recommended legislation, if any, to the House and Senate Clerk no later than December 31st 2012.