The Virginia General Assembly Health, Welfare and Institutions Subcommittee #1 heard testimony today in favor of VA House Bill 1511. This Bill, which passed unanimously out of subcommittee, would allow licensed midwives to obtain, possess, and administer drugs and devices within the scope of their practice.

Virginia is one of two states that license CPMs yet restrict them from accessing and administering medications that are within their scope of practice. These medications include : Pitocin, Cytotec, Rhogam, IV Fluids, lidocaine, epinephrine, Methergine, Oxygen, antibiotics, Vitamin K(for infants), and erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (infant).

Karen Kelly, President of the Virginia Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, gave testimony in support of the bill.

Karen Kelly’s testimony read:

“Good morning Chairman Edmunds and members of the committee, My name is Karen Kelly. As an advanced practice midwife, and President of the Virginia Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, I strongly support HB1511; for both our Licensed Professional Midwife Colleagues and all birthing people hoping to access midwifery care in Virginia. This legislation aligns with the Commonwealth’s efforts in the ongoing fight against infant and maternal morbidity and mortality and is consistent with both national and International standards for midwifery education and practice. Passing this bill will contribute to lower health care costs, reduced number of unnecessary medical interventions while improving reproductive freedom and justice to determine how a pregnancy is managed and the professional care available. It is our recommendation that passing this bill would improve the safety standards for those choosing home birth and birth center birth with a Licensed Midwife in Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. "

The text of the bill can be found here : HB 1511 Midwifery; administration of medication. You can follow the progress of the bill here: Virginia’s Legislative Information System