Massachusetts H5016 aims to enhance the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce.

Massachusetts H5016 establishes a Midwifery Workforce Development Fund to support initiatives like student loan forgiveness, educational programs, and retention efforts for midwives. The bill mandates that insurance policies provide equal payment rates for services rendered by midwives in birth centers as those performed in hospitals. It also requires the Department of Public Health to establish licensing requirements and facility guidelines specific to birth centers.

Massachusetts H5016 aims to enhance the sustainability of birth centers and the midwifery workforce.

Massachusetts H5016 establishes a Midwifery Workforce Development Fund to support initiatives like student loan forgiveness, educational programs, and retention efforts for midwives. The bill mandates that insurance policies provide equal payment rates for services rendered by midwives in birth centers as those performed in hospitals. It also requires the Department of Public Health to establish licensing requirements and facility guidelines specific to birth centers.