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Congratulations and Updated NRP Providers

Congratulations to Iowa and Virginia!

On June 1, 2023 the legislation to license midwives went into effect in Iowa!

This bill offers licensure to CPMs and establishes a regulatory board for midwives in Iowa. CPMs who apply for licensure after July 1, 2024 must have a MEAC education or a Midwifery Bridge Certificate. There are exemptions made for midwives who are “a member of a Native American, Mennonite, or Amish community who provides traditional midwife services to such a community.” As well as midwives who “in good faith, engages in the practice of the religious tenets of a church or a religious act if no fee is contemplated, charged, or received.”

This makes Iowa the 38th state to enact licensure for direct-entry midwives.

In January 2023, SB1275 was introduced to the Virginia State Senate and was enacted March 26, 2023. This allows licensed midwives to obtain, possess, and administer drugs and devices within the scope of their practice. This is another win for midwives to practice more fully within the scope of their training, but more importantly to meet the needs of families who birth in community settings.

Updated Community-Based NRP Instructor Directory!

In May 2023, NARM created an online directory of community-based NRP instructors for CPMs and students. Recently, it was updated to include course location. The directory is available here.

 

eBlast emailed July 27, 2023

NRP Instructor Directory and Upcoming Accountability Committee

NARM Accountability Update

Accountability provides reassurance to families who choose CPMs as their care providers and to states who utilize the CPM for legal recognition. Professional conduct is expected for all CPMs and student midwives. When there are concerns regarding the conduct of a CPM, NARM has an Accountability process to evaluate the concerns.

Currently, NARM Complaint Reviews are conducted by a committee of CPMs in the community of the midwife under review. The disadvantage has always been that it can be challenging to recruit enough midwives, especially in areas with small numbers of midwives. The shift to virtual Complaint Review during the past three years revealed the benefits of drawing from a larger pool of midwives to evaluate competency and professional conduct.

NARM is developing a process to assemble and train CPMs from across the nation to serve on a standing national committee to provide consistent and professional Complaint Reviews. We anticipate this will improve the process to meet the needs of a growing community of CPMs.

Watch future eBlasts for more information and consider whether you would like to apply to join this committee when the application process begins.

Community-Based NRP Instructor Directory

In October 2022, NARM created a survey to assess the availability of NRP instruction for community midwives. As reported in December 2022, over 95% of CPMs responded they were able to access local NRP instruction.

The surveyed CPMs were encouraged to share the NRP courses available to them. As a result, NARM created an online directory of community-based NRP instructors for those CPMs who continue to experience difficulties obtaining NRP courses. The directory is available here.

Some Reminders

NRP Advanced Requirement

With the NRP 8th edition update in 2021, the AAP has created two course pathways for providers (see details highlighted below). NARM acknowledges that some of the advanced skills such as IO administration of newborn medications and Umbilical Vein Catheterization are not essential for CPMs who attend community based births, however we recognize that completion of the NRP Advanced course is important to have a basic understanding of the full AAP NRP algorithm.

NRP Advanced is required effective March 1, 2023 for certification or recertification.

NARM will continue to accept unexpired NRP Essentials (plus BLS for Health Care Providers) as meeting the NRP Requirement for certification and recertification applications after March 1, 2023. However, NARM encourages taking NRP Advanced, if available prior to March 1, 2023.

eBlast emailed April 26, 2023

NRP Updates for 2023

Results from the NARM NRP Survey!

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.

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

Although we acknowledge many CPMs have difficulties accessing NRP in their community, we maintain that the importance of requiring the full NRP program (Online written exam and Skills testing) to uphold a standard of CPM skill outweighs the challenges individuals may face. For those CPMs who continue to experience difficulties in accessing NRP, we encourage you to reach out to your local CPMs or state professional organizations to find NRP courses to fulfill recertification requirements. In the upcoming weeks, we will offer a resource list of Community Based NRP Instructors here.

NARM NRP Policy updates
Skills Testing NRP Requirement:

As announced in March 2022,  the COVID related exemption of NRP Skills testing (hands on portion) expires January 1, 2023.

  • NRP cards issued after January 1, 2023 will be required to have the complete documentation of NRP (Online written exam and Skills testing).

NARM will continue to accept unexpired NRP cards as meeting the NRP Requirement for certification and recertification applications. However, NARM strongly encourages having the complete NRP program (Online written exam and Skills testing) so CPMs are best prepared to meet the needs of their clients.

NRP Advanced Requirement:

With the NRP 8th edition update in 2021, the AAP has created two course pathways for providers (see details highlighted below). NARM acknowledges that some of the advanced skills such as IO administration of newborn medications and Umbilical Vein Catheterization are not essential for CPMs who attend Community based births, however we recognize that completion of the NRP Advanced course is important to have a basic understanding of the full AAP NRP algorithm.

  • NRP Advanced is required effective March 1, 2023 for certification or recertification.

NARM will continue to accept unexpired NRP Essentials (plus BLS for Health Care Providers) as meeting the NRP Requirement for certification and recertification applications after March 1, 2023. However, NARM encourages taking NRP Advanced, if available prior to March 1, 2023.

Highlights of 8th Edition AAP NRP:

There are two levels of NRP provider learning: 

  • NRP Essentials (Lessons 1–4) Includes skills through face-mask ventilation and laryngeal mask insertion.
  • NRP Advanced (Lessons 1–11) Includes chest compressions and resuscitation skills for term and preterm newborns.

Read complete details of 8th edition NRP program here.

More Reminders
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 20, 2022

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

NARM NRP Policy Update May 2021

NRP Policy Updates

As of June 1, 2021, all initial Certification and Recertification applications will need to meet NARM’s pre-COVID NRP and CPR requirement of in-person skill evaluation.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) will be releasing the 8th edition NRP program in June. Due to these changes NARM has updated the policy for NRP and CPR to go along with these new requirements. For those submitting a CPM application or recertification form after June 1, 2021, please read the updated policy update below.

While some instructors will continue to teach the 7th edition until January 1, 2022, others will switch to the 8th edition instruction as early as June 2021. Applicants will need to confirm which edition the instructor is using.

After January 1, 2022 only the 8th edition classes will be available, but NARM will continue to accept the 7th edition NRP card as long as it is still valid.

Highlights of 8th Edition AAP NRP:

There are two new levels of NRP provider learning:

Read complete details of 8th edition NRP program here.

NEW NARM NRP Requirement:

To fulfill the NARM NRP requirement, CPMs/students may either complete NRP Advanced (Lessons 1-11) or NRP Essentials (Lessons 1-4)

If you choose the NRP Essentials (Lessons 1-4):

Guidelines for requirements are 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 May 12, 2021

Certemy and NARM Board Update

The New Online System Update

NARM is pleased to report that Certemy, the new online program to process applications is going well! There are still some bugs to be worked out, but the tech people are working hard to resolve them! Currently, a few PEP applications are being beta tested, and we hope that we will be able to offer Certemy to all PEP applicants by the end of this year! As of March 15, 2021, the NARM Applications department has processed:
  • 131 Recertifications
  • 120 Preceptor Renewals
  • 12 New Preceptor Applications
Thank you to the over 700 CPMs who have registered with Certemy! We encourage all CPMs to register with Certemy even if you don’t need to renew until next year. In December 2020, NARM sent an email with information on how to log in to the Certemy system. If you can’t find it, or need assistance logging in, please email dan@narm.org.

Meet New Board Member, Adrian Feldhusen!

Adrian is a Certified Professional Midwife and New Hampshire Certified Midwife who lives in Southern New Hampshire with her husband, three children, and her grandbaby. Adrian has been involved with birthing families since 1992 as a midwife, doula, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding counselor.

She is the founder and owner of The Birth Cottage of Milford and Salem, two free standing birth centers serving a wide geographical area in both NH and MA. During her studies for a BS in Community and Human Services with a Concentration in Maternal and Perinatal Health through the State University of New York, her work was featured in a variety of publications.

Adrian was Chair of the NH Midwifery Council, the state’s licensing and regulatory board, for almost 10 years. She has been instrumental in crafting and lobbying for legislation regarding mandated insurance reimbursement for midwifery care in NH to assure access across all socioeconomic and demographic groups. It is her life goal to make midwifery and birth center care available to all families.

Adrian also served on the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) as a board member for six years and is currently a board member of the AABC Foundation, raising funds to expand birth center development nationwide. In her spare time, she actively works as a firefighter, a ski patroller, and as an instructor for EMS. Knitting and maple syrup making are her favorite pastimes.

eBlast emailed March 31, 2021

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

New Online System for CPM Renewals will be available next week!

Remember the new online certification system we emailed you about a few days ago? It will be live and available for you to use next week.

How can I get access to the new system? What are the next steps?

  1. Look for an email from info@narm.org (our usual eBlast email) in the next 3 days with your login instructions. This email will explain how you can log into your new account and access any help you need to get started.
  2. Once you start a renewal, expect to receive email alerts from support@narm.certemy.com. These automated alerts will keep you updated on your progress and make sure you don’t forget anything.

What will the new system let you do?

eBlast emailed December 18, 2020

New Online System for CPM Renewals!

NARM is pleased to announce a new software system that will allow you to manage your CPM Recertification online! This system will make it faster and easier for CPMs to renew.

We know that some will prefer the old system…no worries! We will continue to accept paper applications mailed to the Applications office as an option until further notice.  But we will have lots of tech support to help CPMs navigate the new system for those who are ready! 

What will the new system let you do?

When can you start using the new system?

We currently expect the new system to go live next week. We will let you know if the date changes.

Next Steps

Look out for email 2 of 3 later this week. It will tell you how to log into the system to review your current information and start your renewal when the time comes.

WAIT, what about initial CPM Applications? PEP?

We are working on it! Initial CPM applications are more complicated, and we want to get all the bugs out before we open access to students. We expect that it will be available very soon! Keep checking your email inboxes!

Got questions?

Please email dan@narm.org.

eBlast emailed December 17, 2020.

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