SB 23-167

Senate Bill 23-167, which has been signed into law by the governor, allows certified midwives who meet certain requirements to obtain a license from the state Board of Nursing starting July 1, 2024. This means that individuals with certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board can practice as licensed certified midwives in Colorado after paying fees and passing background checks. The bill also adds a new member to the board who is either a certified midwife or an advanced practice registered nurse specializing in midwifery, effective immediately upon signing. This change will help regulate midwifery practices more formally under nursing regulations and provide better oversight for patient safety.

Official Summary

Starting July 1, 2024, the act authorizes individuals who have a midwife certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board, pay the required fee, and submit to a criminal history record check to obtain a license from the state board of nursing (board) to practice as a certified midwife in the state. A certified midwife licensed by the board may apply for and obtain provisional and full prescriptive authority upon satisfying the requirements specified in the act. Certified midwives are subject to regulation by the board to the same extent that the board regulates the practice of nursing, including grounds for discipline and disciplinary actions. Effective July 1, 2024, the act adds a member to the state board of nursing who is a certified midwife or an advanced practice registered nurse who is a certified nurse midwife. The act appropriates $15,393 from the general fund to the department of public health and environment for use by the health facilities and emergency medical services division for administration and operations necessitated by the act. APPROVED by Governor May 25, 2023 PORTIONS EFFECTIVE May 25, 2023 PORTIONS EFFECTIVE July 1, 2024 NOTE: Section 69 of the act states that the act takes effect upon passage; except that, section 12-255-105, Colorado Revised Statues, as amended in section 3 of the act, takes effect July 1, 2024. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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