Bill would fund nurse-midwife training at eligible North Carolina universities

The state would set aside $20 million from its General Fund for the University of North Carolina System Office to award training grants. Grants would support eligible University of North Carolina schools starting programs that provide a certified nurse-midwife credential. Each selected school could receive up to $4 million. Grants could pay for faculty, staff, nurses who supervise clinical training, and other costs needed to start nurse-midwife training. The System Office would report awards, successful and unsuccessful applicants, and expected program start dates to legislative reviewers by October 15, 2027, and annually until recipients spend all grant money. The proposed effective date is July 1, 2026. The one-time funding would cover the 2026–2027 budget year and remain available until spent. The System Office would award grants by March 15, 2027.

Eligible schools could apply to the University of North Carolina System Office for grants to start certified nurse-midwife training programs. Eligible University of North Carolina schools must have an advanced practice registered nurse degree program and no training program that provides a certified nurse-midwife credential. Applications would need a budget, an enrollment start schedule, and evidence of an existing or planned relationship with a North Carolina hospital that allows certified nurse-midwives to deliver babies. Applicants would need a plan to graduate at least 20 certified nurse-midwives by the program's fifth year. Priority would favor historically Black or minority-serving schools, schools near a partner hospital, and schools planning to start as soon as practical and no later than the 2029–2030 school year. Meeting more criteria would give greater priority. The System Office would also try to spread awards across different parts of the state. The System Office would publish application rules by September 30, 2026, and accept applications through December 31, 2026.