Rep. Khan Announces Nurse Midwives Legislation Signed Into Law

 

Boston, MA – Representative Kay Khan is pleased to announce that her legislation, An Act Relative to Enhancing the Practice of Nurse Midwives, (H. 2369) was signed into law today by Governor Deval Patrick.

 

This bill will amend Chapter 112 of the General Laws which governs the practice of nurse-midwives.  Currently, nurse midwives are authorized to order tests and medications under a “supervising physician.” However, this new law will replace the supervising physician language with new language to reflect modern collaborative practice between nurse-midwives, obstetricians and gynecologists.

 

“I would like to thank the Massachusetts Legislature and Governor Patrick for advancing this ground-breaking legislation which has been signed into law today and for acknowledging the importance of this issue,” said Representative Khan. “This new law will result in cost effective, high quality care to Massachusetts women and their families.”

 

This law will update the General Laws and eliminate barriers to the use of nurse-midwives in Massachusetts by more accurately reflecting today’s practice arrangements with obstetricians-gynecologists.  In addition, it will remove physician liability for nurse-midwifery practice.  An Act Relative to Enhancing the Practice of Nurse Midwives will help lower the high C-section rate in Massachusetts (33.5 percent of all births) and save health care costs.

 

 

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