SPRINGFIELD – To help address health care deserts and ensure mothers get the care they need, State Senator Lakesia Collins is moving legislation to give certified nurse midwives more independence and greater flexibility in care they provide.

“This legislation will give certified nurse midwives more opportunities to collaborate, lead and deliver care families can trust,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “By modernizing outdated rules, we are making health care more accessible across Illinois.”

Currently, certified nurse midwives often have to collaborate formally with a physician to practice at full scope, but this can pose a challenge as more than one-third of Illinois counties lack maternity care. Under Collins’ legislation, House Bill 2688, CNMs would be allowed to provide out-of-hospital birth services at licensed birth centers without the need for a formal collaboration agreement, as long as they have permission from the birth center’s clinical director.

The legislation would also allow physicians who do not provide home birthing services the ability to collaborate with a CNM who does, which could assist in rural areas where there are limited birth care options for thousands of women. Further, the measure would protect access to this care by ensuring collaborative agreements do not prohibit a CNM from providing home birthing services.

“We want to strengthen health care teams by allowing certified nurse midwives to work together with health care providers more seamlessly,” said Collins. “More collaboration means better results for patients in every part of the state.”

House Bill 2688 passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee on Wednesday.

###