Existing law also requires, with respect to a live birth occurring outside of a hospital, that the physician in attendance, or in the absence thereof, either of the parents, prepare and register the birth certificate. This bill would require a professionally licensed midwife in attendance at a live birth outside the hospital, where no physician is present, to prepare and register a birth certificate. This bill would also make these provisions applicable to live births that occur outside a state-licensed alternative birth center, as defined. The bill also would make legislative findings and declarations regarding childbirth and midwives. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state.
Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. Section 2508 of the Business and Professions Code is repealed. If the licensed midwife does not have liability coverage for the practice of midwifery, he or she shall disclose that fact. The specific arrangements for the transfer of care during the prenatal period, hospital transfer during the intrapartum and postpartum periods, and access to appropriate emergency medical services for mother and baby if necessary. The procedure for reporting complaints to the Medical Board of California.