§ 293 — Application for licensure as a midwife; fee ; qualifications; licensure in another state; failure to comply

[ Text of section added by 2024, 186, Sec. 38 effective November 21, 2024.]Section 293. (a) A person seeking licensure as a midwife under this section shall apply to the board in writing on an application form prescribed and furnished by the board. The application shall include a sworn statement and contain information satisfactory to the board to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the qualifications necessary for licensure under this section.(b) The initial license and renewal fee shall be established pursuant to section 3B of chapter 7; provided, however, that such fees shall not exceed $200 biennially. The board, in consultation with the secretary of administration and finance, shall institute a process for applicants to apply for a financial hardship waiver, which may reduce or fully exempt an applicant from paying the fee pursuant to this section. Fees collected by the board shall be deposited into the Quality in Health Professions Trust Fund pursuant to section 35X of chapter 10 to support board operations and administration and to reimburse board members for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.(c) An applicant for licensure under this section shall: (i) be of good moral character; (ii) be a graduate of a high school or its equivalent; (iii) have completed a formal midwifery education and training program consistent with subsection (d); (iv) possess a valid certified professional midwife credential from NARM; and (v) have satisfactorily completed the examination required by the board.(d) An applicant for a license to practice midwifery as a licensed certified professional midwife shall submit to the board as proof of successful completion of a formal midwifery education and training program either:(i) a certificate of completion, or its equivalent, from an educational program or institution accredited by MEAC; or(ii) a midwifery bridge certificate issued by NARM or a successor credential; provided, however, that the applicant: (A) received such bridge certification on or after September 1, 2019 and completed a midwifery education and training program from an educational program or institution that is not accredited by MEAC; or (B) is licensed as a professional midwife in a state that does not require completion of a midwifery education and training program from an educational program or institution that is accredited by MEAC.(e) The board may license in a like manner, without examination, any midwife who has been licensed in another state under laws which, in the opinion of the board, require qualifications and maintain standards substantially the same as those of this commonwealth for licensed certified professional midwives; provided, however, that such midwife applies and remits to the board the appropriate application fee under this section.(f) The board may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction against any person practicing midwifery without a license granted pursuant to this section. Proof of damage or harm sustained by any person shall not be required for issuance of such an injunction. Nothing in this section shall relieve a person from criminal prosecution for practicing midwifery without a license.