SPRINGFIELD – Addressing health care deserts and ensuring mothers get the care they need, State Senator Lakesia Collins moved legislation through the Senate to give certified nurse midwives more independence and greater flexibility in care they provide.

“We are giving certified nurse midwives the flexibility to collaborate and deliver services and care to our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This legislation modernizes the rules for providers to give residents greater access to health care in our community.”

Currently, certified nurse midwives 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 sufficient 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 and underserved 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.

“This will strengthen the network of health care providers and certified nurse midwives so they can more seamlessly provide care,” said Collins. “More collaboration means better care and services for those who need it most.”

House Bill 2688 passed the Senate on Thursday.

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