Midwifery Workforce Training Act.

Assembly Member Stefani's Midwifery Workforce Training Act directs the Department of Health Care Access and Information to commission a comprehensive study examining California's midwifery education landscape, pending legislative appropriation. The study aims to address the state's shortage of midwifery training programs, with only one program currently accepting students.

The legislation requires an external consultant to evaluate multiple aspects of midwifery education, including current trends, financial sustainability, student debt levels, and pathways to diversify the student pipeline. The consultant must also identify potential institutions to house new programs, assess clinical training site availability, and examine opportunities for interprofessional education between midwives and resident obstetricians. The study will analyze both rural and urban program viability while exploring consortium models that allow students to complete training in their local communities.

Under the bill's provisions, the department must submit findings to the Legislature and publish the report on its website within 36 months of receiving funding. The study's scope encompasses the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare professionals, defined to include medical doctors, licensed midwives, certified nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physician assistants, doulas, licensed vocational nurses, and perinatal community health workers.