NURSE MIDWIFE COVERAGE
House Bills 4361 and 4362
Sponsor: Rep. Triette Reeves
Committee: Insurance
Complete to 5-27-03
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILLS 4361 AND 4362 AS INTRODUCED 3-18-03
Generally speaking, the bills would require that, beginning January 1, 2004, group and nongroup health insurance policies or certificates that provide maternity coverage provide coverage for services whether performed by a physician or by a nurse midwife acting within the scope of his or her practice, or by both. House Bill 4361 would amend the Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act (MCL 550.1416d), which applies to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan. House Bill 4362 would amend the Insurance Code (MCL 500.83406l) to apply to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and to commercial health insurance companies.
Under the bills, the term “nurse midwife” refers to an individual licensed as a registered professional nurse under the Public Health Code who has been issued a specialty certificate in the practice of nurse midwifery by the Michigan Board of Nursing.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.