Current legislation regarding HRS 457J
In the 2024 legislative session, which opened on January 17, 2024, a companion bill HB2649/ SB2969 was introduced. The 2024 legislative session ended on May 3, 2024 without the passage of either of these bills. MAH’s interpretation of HB2649/ SB2969 is that it unnecessarily named additional birth professionals, such as doulas and lactation consultants in the midwifery licensure law, and it added additional exemptions, which would allow for anyone to practice midwifery without a license. MAH provides the following education…
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Hawaii Birth Center Administrative Rules Update
As many of you know, there currently are no birth centers in Hawaii due to outdated administrative rules that make it prohibitive to open a Freestanding Birth Facility. Freestanding Birthing Facilities are regulated under the Department of Health’s (DOH) Office of Healthcare Assurance (OHCA). Currently the Chief of OHCA position is vacant, so the Director of the DOH, Dr. Fink is overseeing any potential updates…
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Current lawsuit regarding HRS 457J
On January 17, 2024 the Attorney General’s office responded to an email inquiry from a legislator regarding HRS 457J. The Attorney General’s email response included that anyone providing midwifery services, as defined by HRS 457J, is required to be licensed. This means that…
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DCCA Midwives Advisory Committee Meetings
The DCCA Midwives Program is under the authority of the Director of the DCCA, and has two Executive Officers to carry out the administrative duties for the program. There is no Board of Midwifery. According to HRS 457J, the Director has the power to appoint an advisory committee to assist with the implementation of the chapter and the rules. The Director elected to convene a midwife advisory committee, with representation of midwives from Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island, along with members of the public.
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Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) Permanently Dissolves
The Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) announced on March 1, 2024 that they have permanently dissolved. MANA strengthened midwifery throughout North America through their long history of working towards solidarity in midwifery…
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MAH Meet & Greet: What is a Midwife?
Midwives Alliance of Hawaii invites the community, including all birthing persons, their families and friends, those interested in midwifery, legislators, and health professionals to join us for a 1 hour talk story on Zoom. We’ll be there to answer your questions and provide information about midwives and midwifery care.
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International Day of the Midwife
The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) is proud to celebrate this year’s International Day of the Midwife (IDM) on 5th May 2021 under the theme of “Follow the Data: Invest in Midwives.”
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COVID-19 Updates for Pregnant & Breastfeeding Families
To learn more about safety in pregnancy regarding COVID-19…
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Midwifery Licensure Now Available!
Certified Professional Midwives & Certified Midwives can now apply for licensure in the State of Hawai’i! Thank you DCCA!
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MAH: Black Lives Matter
Midwives Alliance of Hawaiʻi joins in the raising of our voices against the historical, systemic oppression and dehumanization of especially Black women in our society. We acknowledge that starting with pregnancy, birth care and infant feeding, and continuing throughout the lifespan of Black women, racism affects every aspect of her and her family’s life in terms of health care, housing, criminal justice, education, and employment.
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Second hearing scheduled for HB2184!
HB2184 has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Consumer Protection and Commerce committee on Wednesday 2/14/2018 at 2:00pm in Room 329: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPC_02-14-18_.HTM. We have until 2pm 2/13/2018 to submit written testimony and have it be considered on time.
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HB2184 & SB2294 FAQs
HB2184/SB2294 Relating to Licensure of Midwives FAQs
1. Is this a home birth bill?
2. What are the different types of midwives and who would be licensed?
3. How are CMs and CPMs different from CNMs?
…and more
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Summary of HB2184 & SB2294
These bills are companion bills meaning they are exactly the same language but have been introduced in both chambers - the House and Senate. They create a midwife licensure program within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to be administered by the director.
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