SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (June 10, 2025) – After receiving a unanimous House vote in April, the Illinois Senate passed House Bill 2688 in a 51-7 vote, expanding the capabilities of certified nurse midwives to address the issue of maternity healthcare deserts.
WAND-TV reports if passed by Governor JB Pritzker, House Bill 2688 would amend the Nurse Practice Act. In cases where local physicians do not offer at-home maternity services, certified nurse midwives would be permitted to provide home birth services if they have been granted clinical privileges from a birth center, doctors or other healthcare providers. Proponents of the bill say it would help mothers throughout the state, as 34.3% of counties in Illinois are considered “maternity healthcare deserts,” March of Dimes reports.
But with their expanded roles, there comes the risk of liability in the case of a medical error. The bill states that advanced practice nurses and certified midwives could be held liable in cases of a birth injury, as opposed to the physician who signed the written agreement. However, the physician could be named a defendant in cases where there is reasonable belief that the certified nurse midwives lacked competency to perform maternity services at home or committed misconduct.
Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) told WAND-TV, “this legislation modernizes the rules for providers to give residents greater access to healthcare in our community.” reported WAND News.
Last Updated on June 10, 2025 by Patrick A. Salvi II
