|
Your source for questions from ACNM members about the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), the transition from lifetime to time-limited certificates, and the AMCB Certificate Maintenance Program (CMP). Question:What is AMCB doing to respect and honor the contributions of midwives who were key in developing the profession, but have opted not to participate in the Certificate Maintenance Program as they are no longer in clinical practice? Barbara Graves, President, AMCB:The transition from lifetime to time-limited certification for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) has been a source of debate among those who have dedicated their lives to our profession, and who are committed to continuing to support the profession, whether retired or not. For many, being a CNM is an integral part of their identity and represents more than just a professional title. We appreciate the valuable feedback we received in discussing the implications of this transition for midwives who have retired from clinical practice. The AMCB Board of Directors weighed the commitment and dedication that individual CNMs have given to the profession of midwifery with their bodies and souls with the responsibilities of AMCB's mission, which is "to protect and serve the public by establishing and maintaining the certifications standards for individuals educated in the profession of midwifery." With this mission, it is AMCB's obligation to inform the public whether CNMs and CMs are currently certified. To date, AMCB has listed only those CNMs/CMs who are currently certified. This has included all lifetime certificants and those enrolled in Certificate Maintenance Program (CMP). It has not included those time-limited certificants who have allowed their certification to lapse. Prior to the final implementation of the transition to universal time-limited certification, AMCB is adding a new feature to the verification function of our websitewww.amcbmidwife.org. The new function will list every CNM/CM who has ever been certified, identifying the status of each as Active, Retired, Inactive, Sanctioned, or Revoked/Suspended. The active category is the only one which will meet the requirements of licensing and credentialing boards. Midwives in the Retired and Inactive categories who opt not to or fail to participate in CMP will have substantial educational requirements if they decide to re-enter active certification. So, functionally, the Retired and Inactive categories are the same, although the AMCB Board recognizes that, politically and emotionally, there is a distinct difference between the Retired and Inactive categories. CNMs and CMs who would like to have their name listed in the Retired category should contact AMCB in writing to express this desire by June 30, 2011. Further details are being developed for CNMs/CMs who want to move from Active to Retired in the future. In addition to making this distinction on the AMCB website, AMCB will continue to address, as always, complaints that are formally submitted concerning the inappropriate use of the credential CNM or CM. Examples of this might include someone who is no longer participating in the CMP program, (i.e. Retired or Inactive), but is representing himself or herself as a CM or CNM in active practice. |
Ask AMCB |
|
