SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 70

(By Senators Stollings, Unger, Wells, D. Hall and Laird)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Health study the benefits of licensing certified professional midwives in the State of West Virginia.

    Whereas, The certified professional midwife credential is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), an accrediting body that accredits many healthcare credentials, including the certified nurse-midwife, and is currently recognized in twenty-eight states; and

    Whereas, Home births in the United States increased twenty-nine percent from 2004-2009 (CDC) and quality studies have found that birth can safely take place with certified professional midwives at home and in birthing centers; and

    Whereas, Births attended by certified professional midwives need fewer interventions and thus result in great cost savings to the state. Certified professional midwives can work in conjunction with obstetricians in births that are difficult or present extraordinary birthing circumstances that require measures often necessary to save the life of either the mother or the child; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Health is hereby requested to study the benefits of licensing certified professional midwives in the State of West Virginia; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Health report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.