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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 11, 2020 10:01 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Morgan Cephas |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Temporary Licensure for Certified Professional Midwives |
| Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) specialize in out-of-hospital birth typically facilitating delivery in a home or community-based setting. Certified by the North American Registry of Midwives, CPMs are currently not licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of State meaning CPM care is not covered by insurance. This makes their services inaccessible to families who are not able to afford high out-of-pocket costs, most often leaving out communities of color and low-income families who are already at a higher risk for poor health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a strain our healthcare system and has reinforced our need to address health disparities and access to care across the Commonwealth. The rapid and easy spread of COVID-19 has led to an increased demand amongst expectant parents seeking midwifery care and out-of-hospital birthing options. In order to increase access to community-based birthing and ease the strain put on healthcare systems throughout Pennsylvania, I plan on introducing a bill that would provide temporary licensure for CPMs to practice and receive reimbursement from health insurance companies for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis and until six months after the Governor’s disaster emergency declaration has been rescinded. Please consider supporting this measure that will help to reduce exposure and spread of the coronavirus while also ensuring our mothers have access to necessary care. |
Introduced as HB2747