NARM will address complaints regarding the behavior of a CPM or student which indicates dishonesty, inadequate informed consent, or negligent or fraudulent action of self-interest in which the midwife compromised the well-being of a client or a client’s baby. NARM will also address complaints regarding violation of confidentiality, falsification of information on the NARM certification or recertification applications, or the misrepresentation of certification status.
In addition to recertification, NARM utilizes three levels of oversight and review of CPM practice—
Community Peer Review
Community Peer Review is routine, confidential, professional, non-punitive, and educational.
All NARM Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) and CPM applicants are encouraged to attend local, routine, Community Peer Review.
Complaint
Review
Complaint Review addresses a complaint against a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) to NARM. This initiates a formal process that must include the participation of the midwife and the client. Recommendations derived as a result of this process are non-binding.
Grievance
Mechanism
Grievance Mechanism addresses a second or subsequent complaint against a CPM (or CPM applicant). Any recommendations derived as a result of this process are binding and may include probation, suspension, or revocation of a CPM credential, or suspension or denial of a NARM application.