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Scope of Practice fo Certified Nurse-Midwives and Certified Midwives
Midwifery as practiced by certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs)
encompasses the independent provision of care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the
postpartum period; sexual and reproductive health; gynecologic health; and family planning
services, including preconception care. Midwives also provide primary care for individuals from
adolescence throughout the lifespan as well as care for the healthy newborn during the first 28
days of life. Midwives provide care for all individuals who seek midwifery care, inclusive of all
gender identities and sexual orientations. Midwives provide initial and ongoing comprehensive
assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. They conduct physical examinations; independently
prescribe medications including but not limited to controlled substances, treatment of substance
use disorder, and expedited partner therapy; admit, manage, and discharge patients; order and
interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests; and order medical devices, durable medical equipment,
and home health services. Midwifery care includes health promotion, disease prevention, risk
assessment and management, and individualized wellness education and counseling. These
services are provided in partnership with individuals and families in diverse settings such as
ambulatory care clinics, private offices, telehealth and other methods of remote care delivery,
community and public health systems, homes, hospitals, and birth centers.
More information about midwives in the United States:
- Definition of Midwifery and Scope of Practice of CNMs and CMs (Updated 2021)
- The Credential CNM and CM
- Essential Facts about Midwives 2023
- ACNM Vision, Mission, Values
- Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice (Updated March 2020)
- Standards for the Practice of Midwifery (Updated 2022)
- CNM-CM-CPM Comparison Chart (Updated May 2023)
- Ask the Midwife