SB 336 - This act creates the title "certified nurse- midwife" and permits only certified nurse-midwives and physicians to practice midwifery. Nothing in the act prohibits gratuitous midwifery services, the practice of religion or treatment by prayer. Emergency medical care provided to a pregnant woman by licensed or certified ambulance personnel is not practicing midwifery.

It is unlawful for a person practicing as a midwife to advertise as a doctor or physician or to use letters before or after the person's name which would indicate that the person engages in or is authorized to practice medicine.

A certified nurse-midwife is licensed to practice professional nursing and holds a certification by the American College of Nurse-Midwives to practice nurse-midwifery.

A health care professional or hospital rendering care to a certified nurse-midwife's patient will only be liable for damages caused by their gross negligence or willful or wanton acts or omissions. A health care professional treating a certified nurse-midwife's patient will not be liable for complications arising from the care provided by the certified nurse-midwife prior to the health care professional's treatment.

Section 334.260, which provides that all midwives licensed on August 29, 1959 under Chapter 334, RSMo 1949, are deemed licensed, is deleted.

This act is similar to SB 779 of 1994.
MARGARET TOALSON