Sec. 21.42.355. - Coverage for cost of services provided by nurse midwives. - Alaska Statutes

(a) If a health care insurance plan or an excepted benefits policy or contract provides indemnity for the cost of services of a physician provided to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the period after childbirth, indemnity in a reasonable amount shall also be provided for the cost of an advanced nurse practitioner who provides the same services. Indemnity may be provided under this subsection only if the advanced nurse practitioner is certified to practice as a nurse midwife in accordance with regulations adopted under AS 08.68.100 (a), and the services provided are within the scope of practice authorized by that certification.

(b) If a health care insurance plan or an excepted benefits policy or contract provides for furnishing those services required of a physician in the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the period after childbirth, the contract shall also provide that an advanced nurse practitioner may furnish those same services instead of a physician. Services may be provided under this subsection only if the advanced nurse practitioner is certified to practice as a nurse midwife in accordance with regulations adopted under AS 08.68.100 (a), and the services provided are within the scope of practice authorized by that certification.