Nurse-midwifery education program.
- Establishes a $2 million fund to create new nurse-midwifery master's degree programs at California public universities.
- Requires programs to prioritize areas with demonstrated maternity care workforce shortages.
- Provides funding for program operations until first class graduates or up to 5 years.
- Mandates programs meet state regulations and obtain accreditation from the Midwifery Education Commission.
Senator Caballero's maternal healthcare initiative establishes a dedicated fund to create master's-level nurse-midwifery programs within California's public university systems, responding to the closure of over 50 maternity wards and 20 birth centers across the state since 2013.
The California Nurse-Midwifery Education Fund, administered by the Department of Health Care Access and Information, would receive an initial $2 million allocation from the General Fund in 2025-26, with provisions for additional funding through public-private partnerships and donations. The department would select program sites through competitive applications, prioritizing areas with documented maternal care shortages. Programs must offer a master's degree option and meet state regulatory requirements and Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education standards.
The fund would cover operational costs for program development and maintenance through either the graduation of the first student cohort or five years, whichever comes first. The bill includes provisions ensuring these allocations supplement rather than replace existing university budgets or current midwifery education funding, including programs under the Song-Brown Health Care Workforce Training Act.
The legislation comes as California faces a 10.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, compared to rates of 2.8 and 3.5 in the Netherlands and Australia respectively - countries that maintain higher ratios of midwives to physicians. Currently, California State University, Fullerton operates the state's only nurse-midwifery program accepting new students.
 Anna CaballeroD Senator | Bill Author |  Not Contacted | |
 Sabrina CervantesD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
 Joaquin ArambulaD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Buffy WicksD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Laurie DaviesR Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 0 | 1 | 10 | PASS |
- Establishes a $2 million fund to create new nurse-midwifery master's degree programs at California public universities.
- Requires programs to prioritize areas with demonstrated maternity care workforce shortages.
- Provides funding for program operations until first class graduates or up to 5 years.
- Mandates programs meet state regulations and obtain accreditation from the Midwifery Education Commission.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Senator Caballero's maternal healthcare initiative establishes a dedicated fund to create master's-level nurse-midwifery programs within California's public university systems, responding to the closure of over 50 maternity wards and 20 birth centers across the state since 2013.
The California Nurse-Midwifery Education Fund, administered by the Department of Health Care Access and Information, would receive an initial $2 million allocation from the General Fund in 2025-26, with provisions for additional funding through public-private partnerships and donations. The department would select program sites through competitive applications, prioritizing areas with documented maternal care shortages. Programs must offer a master's degree option and meet state regulatory requirements and Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education standards.
The fund would cover operational costs for program development and maintenance through either the graduation of the first student cohort or five years, whichever comes first. The bill includes provisions ensuring these allocations supplement rather than replace existing university budgets or current midwifery education funding, including programs under the Song-Brown Health Care Workforce Training Act.
The legislation comes as California faces a 10.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, compared to rates of 2.8 and 3.5 in the Netherlands and Australia respectively - countries that maintain higher ratios of midwives to physicians. Currently, California State University, Fullerton operates the state's only nurse-midwifery program accepting new students.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 0 | 1 | 10 | PASS |
Anna CaballeroD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
Sabrina CervantesD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
Joaquin ArambulaD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Buffy WicksD Assemblymember | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Laurie DaviesR Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted |