I think for the new medical indemnity insurance to cover IMs they need a GP or ob to sign off. Not necessarily to attend the home birth, just to take advantage of the new insurance coverage. Not sure if this is in effect yet, I thought it wasn't until next year.

But for a hospital program, it may be a requirement (of that particular hospital) that an ob signs off. Nothing to do with the new insurance (although it might have something to do with the hospital's insurance coverage, not sure).