Yes, home births are legal in Kentucky, but compliance hinges on adherence to state midwifery statutes and health department protocols. Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 311.671–311.699 authorize Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) to attend home births under specific licensing and reporting requirements, with oversight from the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Recent 2026 amendments to KRS 311.681 expanded CPM licensure pathways, aligning with the Midwives Model of Care Act, though unlicensed midwives face penalties under KRS 311.691.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Kentucky
- Licensing Mandate: Only CPMs licensed by the Kentucky Board of Nursing may legally attend home births. Unlicensed practitioners risk misdemeanor charges under KRS 311.691, with fines up to $500 per violation.
- Transport Agreements: CPMs must maintain written agreements with a collaborating physician or hospital for emergency transfers, as required by 201 KAR 20:180. Failure to comply voids licensure.
- Reporting Obligations: CPMs must file birth certificates within 5 days and report maternal/newborn complications to the Kentucky Department for Public Health via the Vital Statistics System. Non-compliance triggers audits under KRS 213.046.