HOUSE BILL NO. 71 An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives. REPRESENTATIVE BRUCE WEYHRAUCH advised that the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives (CDM) consists of five members appointed by the Governor. The duties of the Board include examining and certificating applicants, permitting apprentices, holding hearings and ordering disciplinary sanctions. The Board also adopts regulations to establish certification and certification renewal requirements. Representative Weyhrauch added that the Board has served as a means to make people practicing in midwifery aware of the level of experience and education expected of them. Also, by having a board, the individuals that practice midwifery are held accountable to an established standard of care. Women seeking an alternative to hospital care for normal pregnancy and birth rely on the diligence of the board to enhance both the quality and accessibility of their healthcare. He added that an enhancement is that the Board worked with the State of Alaska to establish Medicaid procedures for CDM services, thereby, placing Alaska among eight states which both license their traditional midwives and provide Medicaid reimbursement for their services. He noted that the Board is scheduled to terminate June 30, 2003 and if the Legislature does not act this session, the Board will have one year to conclude its administrative operations. Representative Weyhrauch stated that based upon recommendations by the Division of Legislative Audit, HB 71 would extend the Board's termination date to June 30, 2007. He requested that the bill pass from Committee without any changes. DANA BROWN, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FAIRBANKS BIRTH CENTER, FAIRBANKS, spoke in support of the legislation, requesting that the extension be made. She added that the Board guarantees that high standards and safety are maintained throughout the State for midwifery services. KAYE KANNE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JUNEAU FAMILY BIRTH CENTER, PRESIDENT OF THE MIDWIVES ASSOCIATION OF ALASKA, pointed out that the Board's inception was in 1992. The Board has done an exemplary job of writing and implementing regulations for the governing of CDM's and as a result, midwives in Alaska are professional, well trained and provide safe care for women and families. Ms. Kanne stated that Alaska has one of the best midwifery laws in the United States. Direct-Entry midwifery is recognized across the nation, with licensing for midwives in 21 states, and legislation pending in 8 more. Many more women are seeking the continuity of care and family centered maternity care which midwifery does provide. In some Alaskan communities, midwifes delivered 25% of the births. In Juneau, midwives deliver approximately 15% of all births. She urged that the Board be extended four years more in order that they can continue with the good work that they have accomplished. RICK URION, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, voiced his support for the legislation. He agreed that the State midwives do a very good job and that the Board operates in an efficient manner. The fiscal note requires no additional funding. Representative Foster MOVED to report HB 71 out of Committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HB 71 was reported out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by the Department of Community & Economic Development.