SB238 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Midwives, State Board of Midwifery, established, licensure and regulation, fees, penalties, Secs. 34-19-11 to 34-19-19, inclusive, added; Secs. 34-19-2 to 34-19-10, inclusive, repealed

Summary

SB238 would create a State Board of Midwifery to license and regulate midwives in Alabama, with rules on practice, consent, and penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the State Board of Midwifery, sets up licensure for midwives, and requires fees. The bill defines education and credential requirements, allowable scope of practice, and disciplinary actions. It requires licensed midwives to provide informed consent, disclosures, and an emergency care plan, and it repeals the old midwifery statutes.

Who It Affects

• Licensed midwives and applicants who must obtain licensure, meet education/credential requirements, pay fees, and may face disciplinary actions or license revocation.
• Women and families seeking midwifery services who will receive informed consent disclosures, information about services and emergency plans, and care from licensed midwives under defined rules.

Key Provisions

• Creates the State Board of Midwifery with seven members (four CPM/NARM-credentialed midwives, one physician, and two consumer representatives) appointed by the Governor.
• Adds new sections 34-19-11 to 34-19-19, establishing licensure, licensing fees, renewal terms (24 months), and authority to discipline licensees; repeals sections 34-19-2 to 34-19-10.
• Defines practice rules, education requirements, and scope of midwifery, including prohibitions on administering certain procedures (epidurals, narcotics, forceps, cesarean sections) and ensures independent practice without mandatory collaboration with other professionals.
• Requires informed consent and client disclosures before services, plus an emergency care plan and birth documentation; mandates ongoing continuing education for licensees.
• Gives the board authority to investigate complaints, suspend or revoke licenses, impose fines, and maintain a public licensee list; authorizes enforcement under the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Provides liability protections for physicians and health care institutions regarding acts by licensed midwives; notes the local funds amendment considerations but contains an exception; includes a sunset mechanism for the board.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Midwives