The Midwifery Modernization proposed legislation by Pennsylvania Rosemary Brown was signed into law on May 6. This law will provide a significant step towards expanding maternal healthcare access throughout Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 507 details that certified midwives have updated licensure, calls for improvement of collaboration, expands prescription authority in certain circumstances including the treatment of substance use disorders.
This law will also be addressing the healthcare shortages in rural and underserved communities. To do this the number of trained professionals who provide maternal care services will be expanded.
Certified midwives in certain circumstances will be able to prescribe certain medications. This will include medication that aims at treating opioid use disorders.
Senate Bill 507 can be found online here.