MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Representatives Fredericks, Peranich

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-25-35, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT THE PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY FOR COMPENSATION EXCEPT BY PHYSICIANS AND NURSE PRACTITIONERS; TO AMEND SECTION 73-25-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY BY NURSE PRACTITIONERS SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 73-25-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

73-25-35. (1) Registered nurses who are licensed and certified by the Mississippi Board of Nursing as nurse practitioners are not prohibited from such nursing practice, but are entitled to engage therein without a physician's license.

(2) No person shall practice midwifery for compensation except a physician who is licensed under this chapter or a registered nurse who is licensed and certified by the Mississippi Board of Nursing as a nurse practitioner.

SECTION 2. Section 73-25-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

73-25-33. The practice of medicine shall mean to suggest, recommend, prescribe, or direct for the use of any person, any drug, medicine, appliance, or other agency, whether material or not material, for the cure, relief, or palliation of any ailment or disease of the mind or body, or for the cure or relief of any wound or fracture or other bodily injury or deformity, or the practice of obstetrics or midwifery, after having received, or with the intent of receiving therefor, either directly or indirectly, any bonus, gift, profit or compensation; however, this section shall not prohibit the practice of midwifery by registered nurses who are licensed and certified by the Mississippi Board of Nursing as nurse practitioners.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.