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COC Policy Survey Results, Support@narm.org, and no more Money Orders!

In April 2024, NARM created a survey to assess the community support for removal of the “Continuity of Care” requirement for NARM Registered Preceptors.

Survey participants were provided with NARM’s definition of “Continuity of Care,” instructed to consider this policy change for Registered Preceptors, and asked to weigh in on whether they supported removal of the requirement. Survey participants were told this proposed policy change will not affect student requirements.

The definition of Continuity of Care in the CIB is as follows:

Continuity of Care: a minimum of five prenatals spanning at least two trimesters, the birth, including the placenta, the newborn exam, and at least two postpartum visits. Transports are not accepted for Continuity of Care births.

Invitations to participate were sent to approximately 5000 unique email addresses on the NARM mailing list. The SurveyMonkey link was available on the NARM.org website and the NARM Facebook page. Responses were collected from April 5 – May 2, 2024.

NARM received 523 responses which represents approximately 10% of CPMs, NARM Registered Preceptors, and students combined.  Nearly a third of the responses were received on April 27th, the date of the targeted email.

After analysis of the data, there was slightly more support for removal of the “Continuity of Care” requirement for NARM Registered Preceptors (58% to 42%). However, when responses were analyzed by preceptor status, there were some noticeable differences between NARM Registered Preceptors and non-Preceptors.

Nearly 75% of non-preceptors supported removal of the COC requirement for NARM Registered Preceptors. This suggests that the majority of those who might be most affected (i.e. students, newer midwives, and midwives in group practices) support removal of the COC requirement. Whereas less than 51% of Registered Preceptors supported removal of the COC requirement.

Of the 523 responses, there were 178 responses from non-preceptors. This group responded that the proposed policy change would overwhelmingly be a positive change.

However, the 344 survey respondents who were preceptors had mixed responses. They were slightly more concerned it would negatively impact the education and training of CPMs.

The comment section also yielded strong opinions on all sides, as is expected when midwives are provided with text boxes. However, it seemed that a number of midwives may have responded to the questions about the overall concept of “continuity of care” versus Continuity of Care as defined in the CIB or confused requirements for students with the proposed change for preceptors.

After consideration of all responses, the changing midwifery workforce, the need for preceptors in all settings, the recognition that most midwives are providing continuity of care by all definitions, and that some otherwise qualified midwives cannot meet the CIB definition of COC, NARM has removed the COC requirement for Registered Preceptors effective May 17, 2024.

All other requirements such as 50 births or three years beyond initial credentialing will still need to be met. This proposed policy change will not affect student requirements. CPM Applicants will still be required to submit documentation of five Continuity of Care births.

Change in Acceptable Payment Methods

Beginning September 1, 2024, all fees must be paid by credit card. For transactions made by mail, you will receive an invoice by email with a direct link for credit card payment once your application or form has been received and logged in.

NARM will no longer accept cashiers checks or money orders.

For more information —

In order to better serve our community, NARM asks that ALL emails related to any applications, testing, recertification, midwifery bridge certificate, preceptors, or verifications be directed to support@narm.org. Our new ticketing system will help us ensure timely and consistent responses.

eBlast emailed July 17, 2024

NARM Preceptor Policy Survey Closes in 3 Days!

NARM Registered Preceptor Policy Survey

NARM wants to hear from you on this proposed policy change! This survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete. Survey closes April 30, 2024.

Currently, NARM Registered Preceptors are required to have a minimum of ten “Continuity of Care” births post credentialling. It has come to our attention that CPMs who work in group midwifery practices or birth centers may not be able to meet this requirement.

In recognition of the changes in midwifery practice, NARM proposes reducing barriers for preceptor registration by eliminating the “Continuity of Care” requirement for NARM Registered Preceptors beyond entry-level CPM requirements.

Continuity of Care: a minimum of five prenatals spanning at least two trimesters, the birth, including the placenta, the newborn exam, and at least two postpartum visits. Transports are not accepted for Continuity of Care births.

All other requirements such as 50 births or three years beyond initial credentialling would still need to be met. This proposed policy change would not affect student requirements.

NARM acknowledges this proposed change in policy has the benefit of increasing opportunities for CPMs to serve as preceptors and students’ ability to get clinical training, but some CPMs may have concerns. NARM requests your input!

Remember, the survey closes April 30, 2024!

Take the Survey

Ask NARM:

“I am going to a midwifery workshop where I can get skills signed off. Will those be accepted on my PEP application?”

Some skills can be verified through simulation in the presence of NARM Registered Preceptors, but all skills performed as a regular part of midwifery care should be demonstrated in a clinical setting with actual clients.

For example, skills that may not occur during the course of an average apprenticeship (such as breech birth, manual removal of a placenta, identifying a tubal pregnancy, or other emergency skills) may be verified based on discussion, interaction, demonstration, and simulation to fulfill the Comprehensive Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Essential for Competent Midwifery Practice requirement.

In other words…Skills listed with an asterisk (*) may be verified through simulation. All other skills must be demonstrated during actual clinical practice.

NARM acknowledges and appreciates the wealth of educational opportunities available for midwifery students in the community. Students can benefit from workshops to enhance their midwifery education and complement the training they receive from their preceptor. There is value in learning in group settings and with different midwives. NARM will continue to recognize the value of workshops while maintaining the importance of the apprenticeship as the primary method for training and verification of skills.

For more information, read The Candidate Information Bulletin.

Upcoming Events…

Join The Virtual International Day of the Midwife Conference!

The Virtual International Day of the Midwife (VIDM) is an annual online FREE conference which celebrates the International Day of the Midwife. It is held on or around May 5th each year to be as close to the International Day of the Midwife as possible.

VIDM runs for 24 hours and covers a wide range of subjects with speakers from around the globe. It uses online conferencing software to bring together people who have an interest in childbirth matters – midwives, students, and consumers — all completely free.

The conference was first held in 2009 and was organized by a team of two then working at Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand. By 2020, the organizing committee comprised midwives, midwifery academics, and online education professionals from seven countries across four continents.

Sustainable Midwifery : Caring for Tomorrow’s World is the VIDM 2024 theme.

Sustainable midwifery practices prioritize the well-being of both mother and child while minimizing environmental impact, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. By caring for the whole person, we reaffirm their right to choose if and when to become pregnant or to continue a pregnancy. By integrating eco-friendly approaches and ethical care, sustainable midwifery embodies a commitment to nurturing not only new life but also the planet we share.

The ancient profession of midwifery must remain sustainable in the contemporary world through innovative practices in education, research, and health policy.

Click here to Register

eBlast sent April 27, 2024

NARM’s Year in Review: Reflections on 2022

Another year comes to a close…and somehow we find ourselves several weeks into a new one. We take a moment to look back at the past 12 months.
April 2022: More Preceptor Resources!

The future of midwifery relies upon training new midwives. This is an essential task, and NARM wants to ensure that preceptors have the tools and training to best serve midwifery students and the future families who desire midwifery care.

NARM updated the Resource list for Preceptors and added a template to aid Preceptors and Students in creating a written work agreement.

August 2022: Overview of the History of Preceptor-Student Relationship Tools
NARM has been working on tools for improving the relationships between Preceptors and Students for decades and continues to strive for healthy and ethical midwifery training. In August, we provided a timeline of that evolutionary process. Read more here.
September 2022: Launched the Preceptor-Student Accountability
Committee

Although we have recognized the challenges with Preceptor-Student relationships in the past, we have not had a mechanism to address the issues in the same way we have had with the Client/CPM relationship. We launched a mechanism based upon the current Accountability process to create a forum where grievances can be voiced between Preceptors and PEP Students.

We have had several meetings to create documentation and provide training. We will have an update in Spring 2023.

October 2022: NRP Survey

The survey was opened October 28th, and over 400 CPMs and students responded. Over 95% of the respondents were CPMs.

Every year NARM gets emails and phone calls from midwives who describe the challenges of getting NRP training in their communities. In response to these concerns, NARM conducted a survey to get a better understanding from the entire CPM community of what barriers to NRP courses exist and which communities are most impacted.

We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the vast majority of CPMs are able to regularly access NRP instruction. Furthermore, CPMs reported that the NRP instruction is available in the community, rather than hospital, setting.

We appreciated that there appear to be more NRP Instructors than we expected. Thank you to all those instructors who are helping CPMs continue to be prepared for attending community births. Look for an NRP resource list on the website soon!

Appreciation for Outgoing Board Chair, Miriam Khalsa!

We want to express our gratitude to outgoing NARM Board Chair, Miriam Khalsa, CPM-Retired, LM. Miriam will continue to serve the board as a consultant and Emerita Board Member.

Miriam attended homebirths in Massachusetts from 1981 through 2013. She was a founding member of the Massachusetts Midwives Alliance (MMA) and served on its board in various positions for eighteen years. She co-chaired the MMA Legislative Committee, represented MMA on the Partners in Perinatal Health board for fourteen years, and served as an instructor for the MMA Basic Course in Midwifery Skills.

She has been on the Board of the North American Registry of Midwives since January 2007 serving as Director of Policy and Procedures and as Chair. Miriam moved back to her home state of California in 2013 and became a Licensed Midwife through the California Challenge. She is a volunteer firefighter in her small northern California community and volunteers as an EMT for a rural ambulance service. Both of her children were born at home with the help of midwives.

We are grateful beyond words for her years of service. We appreciate Miriam’s contributions to midwifery, the lives of the many families she has served, the NARM Board and most of all, to those of us who know and love her, the difference she has made in our lives for too many years to count. Namaste, dear Miriam.

eBlast emailed January 30, 2023

NARM Accountability

CPM Informed Disclosure

As you may know, NARM has an Accountability process for clients to file complaints about Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). This is a process to improve midwifery care through remediation and professional peer review.

Midwives who use the CPM credential must include, in their Informed Disclosure, information on the NARM Accountability process and how to file a complaint with NARM.

An outline of all essential components of the CPM Informed Disclosure can be found on our website.

How to Contact the Accountability Department

Recently we have had complaint documents sent to incorrect addresses. NARM no longer accepts accountability documents sent through the mail. To ensure that there is not a delay, please use the online forms and contact information noted on the Accountability tab.

Preceptor/Student Work Agreement

Effective June 1, 2021, with initial preceptor registration or preceptor renewal, NARM requires that all NARM Registered Preceptors develop a written work agreement that clearly defines expectations for the student, as well as for the Preceptor. NARM has found the most common difficulty in the preceptor/student relationship is poor communication about the responsibilities each person has over the course of the apprenticeship. A clearly written agreement is an indispensable resource to both the student and the preceptor if a dispute occurs.

NARM does not directly supervise the preceptor/student relationship. The NARM Preceptor/Student Accountability process is intended to address issues related to integrity, conduct, and the upholding of written and signed preceptor/student work agreements. NARM strongly suggests the student and preceptor adhere to these agreements, including regular review of the student’s progress, and address any issues in a timely fashion. If the student or preceptor identifies deficiencies but continues to work under conditions contradicting the signed work agreement, NARM reserves the right not to address a related complaint through the accountability process.

Template is available now online!

NARM’s Renewal Deadline

In recent years, expiration dates of Certifications have been the CPM’s birth date. However, NARM has provided a grace period from the actual birth date through the end of the birth month.

With integration of the Certemy portal, this grace period has been phased out. Effective June 1, 2022, expiration dates will now be the actual date listed for Certification or Preceptor Registration.

NARM’s Online Application Program

Have you registered with Certemy yet? Certemy is the online portal used for certification, recertification, and preceptor applications. System access is available for all active, inactive, and retired CPMs, preceptors, and current applicants-in-process with the exception of PEP.

In December 2020, NARM sent an email with information on how to log in to the Certemy system. If you haven’t logged in or need assistance, please email info@narm.org.

eBlast emailed December 16, 2022

Preceptor/Student Accountability Committee Application Deadline September 19

Thank you all to all the CPMs who volunteered to participate in the Preceptor/Student Accountability Committee!

Our next step will be to review applications and assemble the committee. The committee will include three experienced preceptors and one Student Advocate. The Student Advocate should be a new CPM who has recently been certified through the PEP process.

If you missed our previous request for applications, you can complete the application online here to be considered for the committee.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH AT MIDNIGHT

NARM’s New Renewal Deadline

In recent years, expiration dates of Certifications have been the CPM’s birth date. However, NARM has provided a grace period from the actual birth date through the end of the birth month.

With integration of the Certemy portal, this grace period is being phased out. Effective June 1, 2022, expiration dates will now be the actual date listed for Certification or Preceptor Registration.

NARM’s New Online Application Program

Have you registered with Certemy? Certemy is the new online program to process Certification, Recertification, and Preceptor applications. In December 2020, NARM sent an email with information on how to log in to the Certemy system. If you haven’t logged in or need assistance, please email dan@narm.org.

eBlast emailed September 9, 2022

Preceptor/Student Accountability

As you may know, NARM has an Accountability process for clients to file complaints about Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). In recent years, we have also received complaints regarding Preceptor/Student relationships.

Although we have recognized the challenges with those relationships, we have not had a mechanism to address the issues in the same way we have had with the Client/CPM relationship. We are in the final stages of launching that mechanism based upon the current Accountability process to create a forum where grievances can be voiced.

History of Preceptor/Student Relationship Tools

NARM has been working on tools for improving the relationships between Preceptors and Students for decades and continues to strive for healthy and ethical midwifery training. Here are a few highlights of the improvements NARM has made in recent years.

Preceptor/Student Agreement Template is Available Online!

Effective June 1, 2021, with initial preceptor registration or preceptor renewal, NARM requires that all NARM Registered Preceptors develop a written work agreement that clearly defines expectations for the student, as well as for the Preceptor. NARM has found the most common difficulty in the preceptor/student relationship is poor communication about the responsibilities each person has over the course of the apprenticeship. A clearly written agreement is an indispensable resource to both the student and the preceptor if a dispute occurs.

NARM does not directly supervise the preceptor/student relationship. The NARM Preceptor/Student Accountability process is intended to address issues related to integrity, conduct, and the upholding of written and signed preceptor/student work agreements. NARM strongly suggests the student and preceptor adhere to these agreements, including regular review of the student’s progress, and address any issues in a timely fashion. If the student or preceptor identifies deficiencies but continues to work under conditions contradicting the signed work agreement, NARM reserves the right not to address a related complaint through the accountability process.

A template is available now online!

NARM is Currently Assembling the Preceptor/Student Accountability Committee!

Thank you all for the overwhelming response! We are sending application forms to all the CPMs who volunteered to participate in the Preceptor/Student Accountability Committee. Our next step will be to review applications and assemble the committee.

The committee will include three experienced preceptors and one Student Advocate. The Student Advocate should be a new CPM who has recently been certified through the PEP process.

If you missed our previous request for applications, you can complete the application online to be considered for the committee.

NARM’s New Renewal Deadline

In recent years, expiration dates of Certifications have been the CPM’s birth date. However, NARM has provided a grace period from the actual birth date through the end of the birth month.

With integration of the Certemy portal, this grace period is being phased out. Effective June 1, 2022, expiration dates will now be the actual date listed for Certification or Preceptor Registration.

NARM’s New Online Application Program

Have you registered with Certemy? Certemy is the new online program to process Certification, Recertification, and Preceptor applications. In December 2020, NARM sent an email with information on how to log in to the Certemy system. If you haven’t logged in or need assistance, please email dan@narm.org.

eBlast emailed August 30, 2022

On the Horizon at NARM, Summer 2022

NRP Survey

Every year NARM gets emails and phone calls from midwives who describe challenges in getting NRP and CPR training in their communities. In recent years, due to COVID-related closures, those emails and calls have increased.

Due to the current difficulty finding in-person NRP Instructor-led courses, NARM will accept the verification of passing the NRP Essentials (Lessons 1-4) exam without the hands-on class until January 1, 2023.

Later this year, NARM will be sending out a brief survey to poll CPMs about their ability to take NRP and CPR in their communities. We want to get a better understanding from the entire CPM community what barriers to NRP and CPR courses exist and which communities are most impacted. Please watch your email inboxes for the survey this Fall!

Preceptor/Student Relationship Tools

NARM has been working on tools for improving the relationships between Preceptors and Students and continues to strive for healthy and ethical midwifery training.

Preceptor/Student Accountability Process

As you may know, NARM has an Accountability process for clients to file complaints about CPMs, but in recent years we have also received complaints regarding the Preceptor/Student relationships. Although we have recognized the challenges with those relationships, we have not had a mechanism to address the issues in the same way that we have had with Client/CPM relationship. We are in the process of developing that mechanism based upon the current Accountability process to create a forum where grievances can be voiced.

NARM is looking for volunteers for the Preceptor/Student Accountability Committee!

We need three experienced preceptors and one Student Advocate for the new Preceptor/Student Accountability Committee. The Student Advocate should be a new CPM who has recently been certified through the PEP process.

Please send your letter of interest to committees@narm.org and put “Preceptor/Student Accountability Committee” in the subject line.

NARM’s New Renewal Deadline

In recent years, expiration dates of Certifications have been the CPM’s birth date. However, NARM has provided a grace period from the actual birth date through the end of the birth month.

With integration of the Certemy portal, this grace period is being phased out. Effective June 1, 2022, expiration dates will now be the actual date listed for Certification or Preceptor Registration.

NARM’s New Online Application Program

Have you registered with Certemy? Certemy is the new online program to process Certification, Recertification, and Preceptor applications. In December 2020, NARM sent an email with information on how to log in to the Certemy system. If you haven’t logged in or need assistance, please email dan@narm.org.

eBlast emailed July 5, 2022

NARM Preceptor Registration & Resources

Thank you for Becoming a Registered Preceptor!

The future of midwifery relies upon training new midwives. This is an essential task, and NARM wants to ensure that preceptors have the tools and training to best serve midwifery students and the future families who desire midwifery care. We hope to answer some frequently asked questions and direct NARM Registered Preceptors to resources that will enable them to develop and improve their skills.

Who can be a Registered Preceptor?

The Registered Preceptor must be credentialed as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Midwife (CM); or must be a licensed practitioner legally recognized by a state/jurisdiction to provide maternity care. A preceptor must have an additional three years of experience after credentialing or fifty primary/co-primary births beyond entry-level CPM requirements. Additionally, they must also have ten continuity of care births beyond entry-level CPM requirements. A preceptor must have attended a minimum of ten out-of-hospital births in the last three years.

What is the registration process?

I’m a CPM and Registered Preceptor, What next?

  • Teach some midwifery students!
  • Renew your registration each time you submit your CPM Recertification on Certemy
  • Upload verification of your Cultural Awareness course at the time of renewal

I’m not a CPM and my credential/license is on a different renewal cycle.

  • Upload a copy of the license at the time of renewal of your state credential
  • For those with a shorter than three year license, you will need to submit verification of licensure more often than your Preceptor Registration is renewed
  • For those with a longer than three year license, you may be able to submit the same verification of licensure for more than one Preceptor Registration renewal cycle
  • Registered Preceptors can keep track of their expiration by logging into their Certemy portal

Need more preceptor resources?

  • Watch the NARM Preceptor Webinar
  • Ask for assistance! Midwifery practice requires a diverse skill set, and educating students does not come naturally to all of us. Many midwives have never been taught how to be preceptors, but there are many resources to help find solutions for common concerns.
  • Visit the NARM Preceptor Resource page for tools and continuing education

Some other reminders…

NARM’s New Renewal Deadline

In recent years, expiration dates of Certifications have been the CPM’s birth date. However, NARM has provided a grace period from the actual birth date through the end of the birth month.

With integration of the Certemy portal, this grace period is being phased out. Effective June 1, 2022, expiration dates will now be the actual date listed for Certification or Preceptor Registration.

Have you registered with Certemy?

Certemy is the new online portal to process Certification, Recertification, and Preceptor applications. In December 2020, NARM sent an email with information on how to log in to the Certemy portal. If you no longer have the link or you need assistance, please email info@narm.org.

eBlast emailed April 25, 2022

NARM Policy Updates, March 2021

Virtual Clinical Experiences – Extended

NARM will allow two virtual clinicals to apply to the Continuity of Care clinical requirements for CPM candidates and NARM Preceptor registrants for each Continuity of Care Client: one prenatal in the final trimester and one postpartum done anytime between 24 hours and six weeks post birth.

NARM has extended this allowance to be in place for clinicals which take place between March 1, 2020 and June 1, 2021.

Guidelines for documentation are available here.

CPR and NRP Policy – Extended

As of June 1, 2021, all initial Certification and Recertification applications will need to meet NARM’s pre-COVID NRP and CPR requirements. Many classes have pivoted to a hybrid of online/virtual section plus in-person skills testing to meet COVID-19 guidelines.

These hybrid courses will meet the NARM requirements in addition to traditional fully in-person courses available in many locations.

Guidelines for requirements are available here.

Cultural Awareness Policy – Updated

NARM has updated its Cultural Awareness policy. Currently, NARM requires all initial Certifications to include a course on Cultural Awareness.

As of January 1, 2022, all Recertification and Preceptor applications will also need to include a workshop, module, or course on Cultural Awareness every three years as part of the application for Recertification.

A newly expanded list of Cultural Awareness courses is available here.

NARM’s New Online Application Program

Have you registered with Certemy? Certemy is the new online program to process Certification, Recertification, and Preceptor applications. In December 2020, NARM sent an email with information on how to log in to the Certemy system. If you haven’t logged in or need assistance, please email dan@narm.org.

eBlast emailed March 5, 2021

Updated Cultural Awareness Requirements

The NARM Board of Directors is committed to the ongoing professional development of CPMs to ensure the best outcomes for the families they serve. NARM recognizes it is not just clinical skills such as neonatal resuscitation which require ongoing training to sustain competency but also interpersonal skills such as cultural awareness and non-violent communication that must be maintained by repeated opportunities for education and improvement.

NARM currently requires all initial CPM applicants to submit proof of a Cultural Awareness course. NARM has now updated the Cultural Awareness requirement for CPMs and will require all CPMs to complete a workshop, module, or course on Cultural Awareness every three years as part of the application for Recertification. This policy is effective for CPM recertification starting January 1, 2022.

In addition, although most Registered Preceptors are CPMs, we recognize some are LMs, CNMs, or other health care providers. Given the influence on and responsibility for training new midwives, NARM has extended this policy to include Registered Preceptors. Cultural humility is critical so our preceptors are sensitive to the needs of all midwifery students and will train future midwives to serve all families appropriately.

All Registered Preceptors will now be required to complete a workshop, module, or course on Cultural Awareness with every application and renewal beginning January 1, 2022.

A newly expanded list of Cultural Awareness courses is available on this page.

eBlast emailed November 12, 2020

Contact

Frequent pages

Key pdf file

Contact

Frequent pages

Key pdf file