FAQ
Together, the Friends of Michigan Midwives and the Michigan Midwives Association will be asking our state legislature to introduce legislation in 2011 to license Certified Professional Midwives in Michigan.
Who certifies midwives, and what does it take to become one?
Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) are credentialed by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) to provide out-of-hospital maternity care for healthy women experiencing normal pregnancies. The CPM credential, issued by NARM, is nationally accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). NARM certification for CPMs includes: a rigorous educational and training process generally requiring a minimum of three to five years to complete; verification of knowledge and skills through the successful completion of a national board exam; a clinical skills assessment process; continuing education and re-certification every three years; and clinical experience in out-of-hospital settings.
What is the difference between certification and licensure?
The Certified Professional Midwife is a credential obtained through a national credentialing organization, NARM. But, each individual state determines its own laws regarding licensing of any profession. Before the CPM credential was established in 1994, individual states that licensed midwives each had their own requirements and standards. Since the availability of the CPM credential, the CPM has mainly become the basis for state licensure. Twenty-seven states now license out-of-hospital midwives. However, the State of Michigan is not one of them. Michigan currently has no regulations regarding out-of-hospital midwives, which is why we are seeking licensure in 2011.
How will licensure of Certified Professional Midwives benefit families?
Licensure will improve access to out-of-hospital-birth for families who desire this option by laying the groundwork for providing insurance and Medicaid coverage of care with midwives. Licensure will improve continuity of care when a transfer of care to hospital is necessary. Licensure protects consumers’ future access to midwifery care by protecting midwives from criminal charges.
How will licensure of Certified Professional Midwives benefit Michigan?
Michigan faces a deepening crisis in the quality, cost and availability of health care. Certified Professional Midwives possess valuable knowledge and skills in home and birth center care. They are responsive to the needs of underserved and special populations. CPMs offer increased access to primary maternity care that is safe and significantly reduces health care costs. Michigan can experience these benefits by improving access to Certified-Professional Midwives through licensure.
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