Meeting Public Comments

Jordan Bruns []

I am a licensed pharmacist in the state of Iowa writing to express support for HF 2547 regarding midwifery licensure. The bill passed the House last week 932 and is awaiting a subcommittee in the Senate State Government Committee.As a member of a profession that undergoes licensure, I feel that licensure is an important step to take for midwifery. Benefits of licensure include ensuring competency, maintaining/updating knowledge base, and enhancing access to important tools in practice. Detriments to licensure are nonexistent from my point of view, as midwives are already practicing in the state, and licensure would only improve their ability to do so safely and effectively.Licensure is critical to ensure Certified Professional Midwives have the ability to order necessary labs and medications within their scope of practice, which is currently the case in 37 other states and DC. As a pharmacist licensed in 16 states, Iowa should join the majority of the country in ensuring midwives are regulated to improve communication and integration within the state's health care infrastructure including pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals.Iowa is experiencing a lack of access to maternal care, attracting new healthcare workers would be a major benefit, as licensing and legitimizing the practice will allow more providers to feel safe to do so in this state. Improving access to care for anyone is a wonderful thing, and doing so for maternal health is of the utmost importance. Please support this bill when you have the opportunity to do so.Jordan Bruns, Des Moines, Iowa 50321