Nurses, Nursing - As enacted, requires the commissioner of health to use existing resources to conduct a study of neighboring states to examine the varying levels of practice independence that may or may not be granted to certified nurse midwives in such states; requires the commissioner to compile the findings of the study and any recommendations in a report and transmit the report to the general assembly no later than December 31, 2026. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 56, Chapter 32, Part 1; Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 24; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, Chapter 5.

HB 2598 requires Tennessee's Commissioner of Health to study how neighboring states grant practice independence to certified nurse midwives, using existing resources. The study will examine varying levels of practice authority in other states and compile findings with recommendations into a report due to the legislature by December 31, 2026. This bill does not change current laws but provides data to inform future decisions about midwifery practice scope. It directly affects certified nurse midwives and the state legislature, which may consider the report when evaluating policy changes. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on gathering comparative data, not implementing new regulations.