Tennessee legislation · 114th General Assembly
Tennessee SB2286: AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 56, Chapter 32, Part 1; Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 24; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, Chapter 5, relative to midwifery.
Status: Chaptered, May 4, 2026
Fiscal Summary NOT SIGNIFICANT Bill Summary ON MARCH 19, 2026, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 2286, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 expands the scope of the study to include "other states" instead of "neighboring states" and requires that the study include an analysis of how independent practice policies correlate to maternal health outcomes for a state, including maternal morbidity and mortality rates; examine policies and maternal health outcome data in a geographically diverse set of states; and include information on maternity care deserts, provider shortages, hospital closures, recent state policy changes to expand practice autonomy, and best practice recommendations regarding independent practice for certified nurse midwives.
What the bill says
From the amended text:
Senate Commerce and Labor 1 Amendment No. 1 to SB2286 Bailey Signature of Sponsor AMEND S e n ate Bill No. 2286* House Bill No. 2598 by deleting all language after the enacting clause and substituting: SECTION 1. The commissioner of health shall use existing resources to conduct a study of other states to determine the level of independent practice provided to certified nurse midwives. The purpose of the study is to examine the varying levels of practice independence that may or may not be granted to certified nurse midwives in other states. The study must include an analysis of how independent practice policies correlate to maternal health outcomes for a state, including maternal morbidity and mortality rates; examine policies and maternal health outcome data in a geographically diverse set of states; and include information on maternity care deserts, provider shortages, hospital closures, recent state policy changes to expand practice autonomy, and best practice recommendations regarding independent practice for certified nurse midwives. The commissioner shall compile the findings of the study and any recommendations the commissioner may have in a report and transmit the report no later than December 31, 2026, to the chief clerk of the senate, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, and the legislative librarian. Publication and transmission of the report may be accomplished by …