Dear CPM Community,
I want to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have provided NARM with essential feedback over the past month. NARM is well on its way to identifying the issues which have historically challenged NARM’s operations, and, with the direction of the new board, are in the process of identifying solutions. We know there is work to be done to ensure NARM is responsive, transparent, and meeting the needs of all of the CPM and future CPM community.
NARM has work to do AND is in a position to reliably uphold the CPM credential
As the flood of feedback has come in, it is clear many of you are concerned about the future of the credential. I want to make sure those of you who hold or are pursuing the CPM credential can rest assured NARM is equipped to complete its essential functions as the certifying body for the CPM credential.
States that have written the CPM into their regulations as the basis for licensure can continue to rely on NARM. Students can rest assured that, once you are ready to complete your application and sit for the NARM Examination, we are ready for you. While NARM is taking time to review all policies and procedures, we are committed to ensuring that any proposed changes will have minimal impact on those students who are close to finishing their requirements for the credential.
NARM is actively listening and communicating
We want to keep you up-to-date, and we want to hear from you. We have designed two kinds of sessions to meet those needs.
- Information Sessions (formerly Town Halls) are a way for us to keep you up-to-date.
- Listening Sessions are a way for us to hear your experiences of interacting with NARM through the credentialing process. The Listening Sessions and the Feedback Forms will be compiled into a landscape analysis that will inform our work moving forward.
All ideas for increasing equitable access to the credential are on the table
We know many more families want or need midwifery care than can currently access it. And we know many of you have shared your ideas in the past about how to get there. Even if you have shared your ideas in the past, please consider doing so again. This includes access for those who have been historically marginalized, including those with disabilities and BIPOC candidates. That is the function of the Listening Sessions and the Feedback Forms – ensuring that your ideas and experiences inform our way forward.
We are actively seeking hosts for additional Listening Sessions, particularly in historically marginalized communities. Please click here to express your interest.
A presentation on the landscape analysis will be shared in an upcoming Information Session.
In stewardship-
Brynne Potter
NARM Executive Director
Upcoming Information Session
Please join us at a NARM Information Session this Wednesday, December 11th at 7:00pm ET to hear a presentation on proposed changes to the NARM Accountability (Complaints) Review process. This process has been in place since the creation of the CPM (30 years ago). It is intended to ensure that CPMs practice at the highest level of quality and professionalism.
As legal structures have changed both within and outside the CPM regulatory landscape, the policies and procedures by which NARM conducts complaint reviews must be updated to reflect those changes. In keeping with our commitment to transparency and community engagement, NARM would like to hear feedback on proposed changes prior to implementation.
NARM Applications Office Winter Break Hours and Systems Upgrade
Systems upgrade to serve you better
As part of a systems upgrade, the NARM applications office will have limited service hours beginning December 17, 2024 until January 6, 2025.
Contact NARM via email from December 17 – January 6
System upgrades will include a new phone system, therefore please utilize email (support@narm.org) as your primary method of contact during this time.
Please do not send faxes to NARM.
During regular business hours (M-F 10-6 EST), our support team is committed to providing an initial response within 24 hours of your email to us.
Certemy upgrades; potential downtime
We will also be upgrading our technology platform, Certemy, so you may find some functions unavailable for short periods of time. If you run into any issues, please contact us at support@narm.org.
Deadline extensions
All deadlines (including recertifications) during this period will receive a grace period of three weeks to acknowledge this temporary pause. For urgent issues related to regulatory deadlines in your state, please contact us directly via email.
Holiday hours
NARM will be closed December 24th and December 25th and December 31st and January 1st in observance of federal holidays.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out at support@narm.org.
eBlast emailed December 9, 2024