Advisory Committee on Midwifery; extending sunset date. Effective date. Emergency.

An Act
ENROLLED SENATE
BILL NO. 1466 By: Bergstrom of the Senate

and

Kendrix of the House

An Act relating to professions and occupations;
amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 3040.5, which relates
to the Advisory Committee on Midwifery; extending
sunset date; updating statutory language; providing
an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

SUBJECT: Advisory Committee on Midwifery

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 59 O.S. 2021, Section 3040.5, is
amended to read as follows:

Section 3040.5. A. There is hereby created, to continue until
July 1, 2026 July 1, 2031, an Advisory Committee on Midwifery, which
shall consist of seven (7) voting members to be appointed by the
State Commissioner of Health as follows:

1. Three licensed midwives, each of whom has at least three (3)
years of experience in the practice of midwifery;

2. One Certified Nurse-Midwife;

3. One physician who is certified by a national professional
organization of physicians that certifies obstetricians and
gynecologists and supports the practice of midwifery;

ENR. S. B. NO. 1466 Page 2
4. One physician who is certified by a national professional
organization of physicians that certifies family practitioners or
pediatricians and supports the practice of midwifery; and

5. One member of the general public who is not practicing or
trained in a health care profession, and who is a parent with at
least one child born with the assistance of a licensed midwife or a
Certified Nurse-Midwife.

B. Members of the Committee shall be divided into three
classes. The initial terms of the first class shall expire on
January 31, 2023, and subsequent terms shall expire on January 31 of
each sixth year thereafter. The initial terms of the second class
shall expire on January 31, 2025, and subsequent terms shall expire
on January 31 of each sixth year thereafter. The initial terms of
the third class shall expire on January 31, 2027, and subsequent
terms shall expire on January 31 of each sixth year thereafter.
Members shall serve until a qualified successor has been duly
appointed. The Commissioner shall fill a vacancy no later than
sixty (60) days from the date the vacancy occurs. No person shall
be appointed to serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.

C. The Committee shall annually elect a chair and vice-chair
vice chair from among its members.

D. The Committee shall meet at least semiannually and at any
other time at the call of the chair or the Commissioner.

E. The Committee shall meet in accordance with the Oklahoma
Open Meeting Act.

F. A majority of the members of the Committee, including at
least two licensed midwives, shall constitute a quorum for the
conduct of Committee business.

G. 1. The Committee shall advise the Commissioner on all
matters pertaining to midwifery including, but not limited to:

a. scope and standards of practice,

b. licensure requirements, examination requirements,
exceptions thereto, renewal requirements, temporary

ENR. S. B. NO. 1466 Page 3
licensure, and endorsement or reciprocity
requirements,

c. methods and requirements for ensuring the continued
competence of licensed and registered persons
including the type of courses and number of hours
required to meet the basic midwifery education course
and continuing midwifery education course
requirements, and instructors or facilities used in
the basic and continuing education requirements,

d. procedures for reporting of outcomes including, but
not limited to, live births and fetal, newborn, or
maternal deaths,

e. grounds for reporting and processing complaints,
violations, probation, revocation or suspension of
license, or reinstatement provisions, and

f. all other matters which may pertain to the practice of
midwifery.

2. The Committee shall review and make recommendations to the
Commissioner on all applications for licensure.

3. The Committee shall assist and advise the Commissioner in
all hearings related to the enforcement of Shepherd’s Law. The
Committee shall review all complaints and make recommendations to
the Commissioner on appropriate disciplinary action including, but
not limited to, administrative fines, license revocation, and
license suspension.

SECTION 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 2026.

SECTION 3. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
of the public peace, health, or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.

ENR. S. B. NO. 1466 Page 4
Passed the Senate the 19th day of February, 2026.

Presiding Officer of the Senate

Passed the House of Representatives the 29th day of April, 2026.

Presiding Officer of the House
of Representatives

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Received by the Office of the Governor this ____________________
day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________
Approved by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma this _________
day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.

_________________________________
Governor of the State of Oklahoma

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________
day of __________________, 20 _______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________