This law states that a naturopathic doctor can assist with childbirth if they've done extra training and have a specialty certificate from the board.

To be certified for practicing naturopathic childbirth attendance in California, a naturopathic doctor needs to pass specific exams related to midwifery and prove they meet certain education requirements. They must either complete a specialized program in midwifery or obstetrics that resembles a program accredited by the American College of Nurse Midwives, or have a similar education and license from another state that aligns with California's standards. This training covers areas like maternal and child health, communication skills, and other related medical knowledge.

A naturopathic doctor certified to help with childbirth must keep their certifications in neonatal and cardiopulmonary resuscitation up to date. They also need to submit a plan to the board that outlines how they'll consult with other healthcare providers, how they'll work under a supervising doctor trained in childbirth when everything is normal, and how they'll handle emergencies, including transferring moms and babies to hospitals if needed.

If you have a certificate to practice naturopathic childbirth, it will expire at the same time as your license as a naturopathic doctor. To renew this certificate, you need to pay a fee and show proof of 30 hours of continuing education in areas like childbirth, midwifery, or obstetrics. Out of these, 15 hours can count toward the overall education requirements for all naturopathic doctors. If there’s any disciplinary action against your license, it will affect your childbirth practice certificate too, unless it specifically says otherwise. But if the issue is just about your childbirth practice, they might only limit that part of your work, not your entire license.

This law specifies that naturopathic practitioners in childbirth cannot use certain medical procedures such as forceps delivery, general or spinal anesthesia, Cesarean sections, or perform episiotomies unless they meet specific supervision requirements. Additionally, they are not allowed to manage pregnancy-related complications and must refer such cases to an obstetrician or another qualified physician.

This law allows naturopathic doctors who are certified in childbirth attendance to use specific drugs and equipment related to maternity and neonatal care. They can administer postpartum antihemorrhagic drugs, antibiotics, Vitamin K, and RhoGAM, among others. They are also allowed to use specific equipment such as dopplers, syringes, resuscitation tools, and breast pumps, to assist in childbirth and maternal care.

If a naturopathic doctor has a special certificate to help with childbirth at home, they must provide written information to each client. This includes details about their qualifications, a copy of plans for emergencies, a description of birth procedures and risks at home, and their liability insurance status. The client must sign this form, which is then filed and a copy is given to them.