Legislation Amending PA's Medical Practice Act Advances to Governor's Desk

Senate Bill 507, sponsored by Sen. Rosemary Brown, passed the Pennsylvania House on Wednesday, April 29, by a vote of 197-4 and now awaits Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature. The bill previously passed the Senate by a vote of 49-1.

SB 507 would amend Pennsylvania’s Medical Practice Act of 1985 to update provisions related to midwifery, nurse-midwife licensure, and relevant definitions. Most notably, the bill would establish a certified midwife license in Pennsylvania, creating a new licensure pathway within the existing framework of the State Board of Medicine.

The amended version of SB 507 that passed the General Assembly was supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). PAMED followed suit in supporting the amended legislation, recognizing the importance of ensuring that any changes to maternal health care delivery and licensure are appropriately structured within Pennsylvania’s physician-led health care system.

If signed by the Governor, SB 507 would formally add certified midwife licensure to Pennsylvania law and update related sections of the Medical Practice Act.