ACNM Chapters often face the question of how to respond to legislation being introduced in their state that would license certified professional midwives (CPMs). According to Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA), 28 states currently have or are actively considering licensure, certification, or registration for CPMs.  A summary of the legal status and regulations for each state can be found here.

The licensure and regulation of health professionals is governed by state law.  Recently, legislation to expand licensure to include CPMs has been introduced in several state legislatures. This legislation seeks legal recognition of CPMs. 

Of late, such legislative activity has stalled with little active debate occurring.  This slow-down may be attributed to several factors, including the increasingly strong American Medical Association (AMA) presence in state capitals, lobbying to limit scope of practice for non-physician providers.  An overview of the AMA Scope of Practice Resolution can be found here.