Bill description: HB 8 would expand the prescribing authority for midwives and make clerical changes to the licensing statutes.

Rating: +1

Does it give government any new, additional, or expanded power to prohibit, restrict, or regulate activities in the free market? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce government intervention in the market?

Midwives in Idaho are offered very limited authority to administer medications and supplements to newborn babies and their mothers, including oxygen, epinephrine and , oxytocin. HB 8 would allow midwives to administer a wider choice of medications (to stop bleeding after the birth) in addition to permitting new ways to administer epinephrine, rather than just with auto-injectors (such as an EpiPen). If a midwife is trained to provide the proper dose of epinephrine using a regular syringe they could do so for a much lower cost and could provide a greater level of care.

By allowing midwives greater flexibility in the pharmaceuticals they are allowed to administer, HB 8 would allow them greater freedom to provide the best care in their industry.

(+1)