Implementation Tracker 

We are tracking the implementation of the 2024 Massachusetts Law: An Act promoting access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options, H.4999, a “Momnibus” package of legislation that expands access to midwifery care, birth centers, home births, and much more. At this time, our tracker includes the implementation of the midwifery and birth center components of the law.

Implementation is underway! We are tracking this closely, and are excited to share the following updates as of March 14, 2025:

  • The Board of Registration in Midwifery that will be establishing the pathway to licensure for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in Massachusetts: members have been appointed and the first meeting was held Feb 25, 2025. Provisional CPM licensing will begin this spring! Link to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Midwifery.

  • Modernized birth center regulations were finalized by the Department of Public Health on February 28, 2025. The updated regulations remove barriers to open birth centers and ensuring safe and appropriate birth and reproductive care. Link to the new Massachusetts birth center regulations (part of a larger set of regulations regarding clinics).

  • MassHealth reimbursement parity for Certified Nurse Midwives took effect on January 1, 2025. We have already heard that this directly resulted in several additional midwives being hired by Baystate Health in Springfield!

Coming soon:

  • Licensing for Certified Professional Midwives — Provisional temporary licensing is anticipated to begin in Spring 2025.

  • MassHealth reimbursement for Certified Professional Midwives — No updates yet, though we know the agency has been working to get this implemented once the CPM licensing goes into effect.

We will keep you posted with further updates!