Sec. 1. (a) This section does not apply to an individual who has a license under IC 25-23-1-13.1 to practice midwifery as a certified nurse midwife and is practicing within the scope of that license.

(b) After July 1, 2018, an individual may not engage in the practice of midwifery unless:

(1) the individual is issued a certificate by a board under IC 25-1-5 and is acting within the scope of the person's license; or

(2) the individual has a certified direct entry midwife certificate under this article and has a collaborative agreement with a physician as set forth in this article.

(c) To become certified as a certified direct entry midwife, an applicant must satisfy the following requirements:

(1) Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

(2) Possess at least:

(A) an associate degree in nursing, associate degree in midwifery accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC), or other similar science related associate degree; or

(B) a bachelor's degree;

from a postsecondary educational institution.

(3) Satisfactorily complete educational curriculum approved by:

(A) the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) or a successor organization; or

(B) the educational equivalent of a Midwifery Education Accreditation Council curriculum approved by the board.

(4) Acquire and document practical experience as outlined in the Certified Professional Midwife credentialing process in accordance with the standards of the North American Registry of Midwives or a successor organization.

(5) Obtain certification by an accredited association in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation that is approved by the board.

(6) Complete the program sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics in neonatal resuscitation, excluding endotracheal intubation and the administration of drugs.

(7) Comply with the birth requirements of the Certified Professional Midwife credentialing process, observe an additional twenty (20) births, attend twenty (20) births conducted by a physician, assist with an additional twenty (20) births, and act as the primary attendant for an additional twenty (20) births.

(8) Provide proof to the board that the applicant has obtained the Certified Professional Midwife credential as administered by the North American Registry of Midwives or a successor organization.

(9) Present additional documentation or certifications required by the board. The board may adopt standards that require more training than required by the North American Registry of Midwives.

(10) Maintain sufficient liability insurance.

(d) The board may exempt an applicant from the following:

(1) The education requirements in subsection (c)(2) if the applicant provides proof to the board that the applicant is enrolled in a program that will satisfy the requirements of subsection (c)(2). An exemption under this subdivision applies for an individual for not more than two (2) years. This subdivision expires June 30, 2018.

(2) The education requirements in subsection (c)(3) if the applicant provides:

(A) proof to the board that the applicant has delivered over one hundred (100) births as a primary attendant; and

(B) a letter of reference from a licensed physician with whom the applicant has informally collaborated.

This subdivision expires June 30, 2018.

(3) The requirement that a physician directly supervise twenty (20) births in subsection (c)(7) if the applicant provides:

(A) proof to the board that the applicant has delivered over one hundred (100) births as a primary attendant; and

(B) a letter of reference from a licensed physician with whom the applicant has informally collaborated.

This subdivision expires June 30, 2018.

As added by P.L.232-2013, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.112-2014, SEC.28; P.L.5-2015, SEC.56; P.L.185-2015, SEC.21; P.L.78-2017, SEC.16.