Current legislation regarding HRS 457J
In the 2024 legislative session, which opened on January 17, 2024, a companion bill HB2649/ SB2969 was introduced. The 2024 legislative session ended on May 3, 2024 without the passage of either of these bills. MAH’s interpretation of HB2649/ SB2969 is that it unnecessarily named additional birth professionals, such as doulas and lactation consultants in the midwifery licensure law, and it added additional exemptions, which would allow for anyone to practice midwifery without a license. MAH provides the following education…
Read More
Hawaii Birth Center Administrative Rules Update
As many of you know, there currently are no birth centers in Hawaii due to outdated administrative rules that make it prohibitive to open a Freestanding Birth Facility. Freestanding Birthing Facilities are regulated under the Department of Health’s (DOH) Office of Healthcare Assurance (OHCA). Currently the Chief of OHCA position is vacant, so the Director of the DOH, Dr. Fink is overseeing any potential updates…
Read More
Current lawsuit regarding HRS 457J
On January 17, 2024 the Attorney General’s office responded to an email inquiry from a legislator regarding HRS 457J. The Attorney General’s email response included that anyone providing midwifery services, as defined by HRS 457J, is required to be licensed. This means that…
Read More
DCCA Midwives Advisory Committee Meetings
The DCCA Midwives Program is under the authority of the Director of the DCCA, and has two Executive Officers to carry out the administrative duties for the program. There is no Board of Midwifery. According to HRS 457J, the Director has the power to appoint an advisory committee to assist with the implementation of the chapter and the rules. The Director elected to convene a midwife advisory committee, with representation of midwives from Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island, along with members of the public.
Read More
Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) Permanently Dissolves
The Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) announced on March 1, 2024 that they have permanently dissolved. MANA strengthened midwifery throughout North America through their long history of working towards solidarity in midwifery…
Read More
COVID-19 Updates for Pregnant & Breastfeeding Families
To learn more about safety in pregnancy regarding COVID-19…
Read More
Midwifery Licensure Now Available!
Certified Professional Midwives & Certified Midwives can now apply for licensure in the State of Hawai’i! Thank you DCCA!
Read More
MAH: Black Lives Matter
Midwives Alliance of Hawaiʻi joins in the raising of our voices against the historical, systemic oppression and dehumanization of especially Black women in our society. We acknowledge that starting with pregnancy, birth care and infant feeding, and continuing throughout the lifespan of Black women, racism affects every aspect of her and her family’s life in terms of health care, housing, criminal justice, education, and employment.
Read More
