I respectfully disagree with both pieces of legislation as both 18VAC90-30-10 and 18VAC90-40-10 will remove Certified Nurse-Midwifes' ability to practice independently/collaboratively and would instead require them to be part of a "patient care team" with an OB at the head -- a blow to CNM autonomy.

The model of care that a pregnant woman receives from a CNM for a healthy woman with a normal pregnancy is superior to what she could receive from an OB practice, where the likehood of having interventions that could harm the mother and/or baby are hightened.

The current C-section rate in the USA is around 30% much higher that the World Health Organization recommends, (15%). The cost involved in unnecessary interventions increase the cost of delivery.

In all, these legislation will not help womens and babies in VA. It will only increase the risks and costs.