The department, in consultation with training programs that lead to licensure in midwifery and certification as a certified nurse midwife, and other appropriate private and public groups, shall develop a statewide plan to address access to midwifery services.

The plan shall include at least the following: (1) Identification of maternity service shortage areas in the state where midwives could reduce the shortage of services; (2) an inventory of current training programs and preceptorship activities available to train licensed and certified nurse midwives; (3) identification of gaps in the availability of training due to such factors as geographic or economic conditions that prevent individuals from seeking training; (4) identification of other barriers to utilizing midwives; (5) identification of strategies to train future midwives such as developing training programs at community colleges and universities, using innovative telecommunications for training in rural areas, and establishing preceptorship programs accessible to prospective midwives in shortage areas; (6) development of recruitment strategies; and (7) estimates of expected costs associated in recruitment and training.

The plan shall identify the most expeditious and cost-efficient manner to recruit and train midwives to meet the current shortages. Plan development and implementation shall be coordinated with other state policy efforts directed toward, but not limited to, maternity care access, rural health care system organization, and provider recruitment for shortage and medically underserved areas of the state.