Midwifery Joint Committee Temporary Rules
Effective October 1, 2023
Title 21 Chapter 33 Midwifery Joint Committee Administrative Code (Rules) is updated to reflect temporary rules effective October 1, 2023.
Rationale for Temporary Rules
In accordance with § 150B-21.1(a)(2), the Midwifery Joint Committee (MJC) submits proposed Chapter 33 temporary rules addressing "the effective date of a recent act of the General Assembly or the United States Congress". On May 16, 2023, Senate Bill 20/Session Law 2023-14 Care for Women, Children and Families Act was enacted. Subsequently, Senate Bill 389 Technical Changes to the Midwifery Statutes was enacted, granting authority to the MJC to adopt, amend, and repeal rules necessary to administer the provisions of the Article. Legislation directed the MJC to adopt rules to address the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) approval to practice independently and in transition to independent practice. These rules include working under a collaborative provider agreement, prescribing authority, and rules governing planned births outside of hospital settings attended by CNMs. Portions of this law become effective October 1, 2023. The adoption of these temporary rules protects the health and safety of the public, clarifies the MJC's requirements for midwifery practice and meets the legislature's charge to promulgate rules to carry out this Law until such time as permanent rules can be adopted.