HCS HB 36 -- MIDWIVES (Davis)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN:  Children and Families

This substitute specifies that nothing may prohibit a woman from
giving birth in the setting and with the caregiver of her choice.
A caregiver includes a person who provides midwifery services;
however, this service is not the practice of medicine, nursing,
or nurse-midwifery.  These caregivers may not be subject to
prosecution under state law if they exercise a reasonable degree
of care.  Any physician, certified nurse-midwife, or hospital
providing emergency care to a woman or infant is not liable for
civil damages unless the act was the result of gross negligence
or willful misconduct.

Every midwife is required to provide a written disclosure
statement informing all clients and potential clients of his or
her education and training, years of experience, number of
deliveries as a midwife, possible risks, and a contingency plan
in the event of an emergency.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and
FY 2008.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:17 pm