West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5501: Certified Professional Midwife Licensing and Regulation.
Status: Introduced, February 13, 2026
What the bill says
To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §30-44-1, §30-44-2, §30-44-3, §30-44-4, §30-44-5, §30-44-6, §30-44-7, §30-44-8, §30-44-9, §30-44-10, §30-44-11, §30-44-12, §30-44-13, §30-44-14, and §30-44-15, relating to create and regulate the certified professional midwife; licensing and regulation; and definitions. ARTICLE. 44. Certified Professional Midwife Licensing and Regulation. §30-44-1. Definitions. "Administer" means the direct provision of a prescription drug or device, whether by injection, ingestion, or any other means, to the body.
From the introduced text, February 13, 2026:
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §30-44-1, §30-44-2, §30-44-3, §30-44-4, §30-44-5, §30-44-6, §30-44-7, §30-44-8, §30-44-9, §30-44-10, §30-44-11, §30-44-12, §30-44-13, §30-44-14, and §30-44-15, relating to create and regulate the certified professional midwife; licensing and regulation; and definitions. ARTICLE. 44. Certified Professional Midwife Licensing and Regulation. §30-44-1. Definitions. "Administer" means the direct provision of a prescription drug or device, whether by injection, ingestion, or any other means, to the body of a client. "Client" means a person receiving midwife care and shall be considered synonymous with "patient." "Collaboration" means the process by which a licensed midwife and an appropriate obstetrical provider jointly manage the care of a client. "Consultation" means discussing the aspects of an individual client's circumstance with other professionals for the purpose of adjusting the client's treatment plan. "CPM" means the Certified Professional Midwife credential issued by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). "HIPAA" means the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, 42 USC 1320d et seq. "Licensing Authority" means the state agency, board, commission, or department designated by the Legislature or otherwise designated by the law to administer, license, regulate, and discipline Licensed Midwives under this article. "LM" means Licensed Midwife "MEAC" means the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council. "Midwife" means any person who provides …