SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new Illinois law will help address maternal healthcare deserts by empowering certified nurse midwives .

The Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing Board Members says certified nurse midwives have been providing home births and community births for years, as experienced midwives are allowed to practice without collaboration with physicians. However, new midwives have been blocked from providing community births without collaborating with a doctor for approximately two to five years until they meet requirements for full practice authority.

This law will allow experienced midwives to mentor and collaborate with new midwives to help address the issue.

"In a healthcare provider shortage area or maternal care desert, a certified midwife can collaborate

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