An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives.

The Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives consists of five members appointed by the Governor: one public member, two certified direct-entry midwives (CDMs), one certified nurse midwife, and one physician who is either an obstetrician or who has specialized obstetric training. The duties of the board include examining and certificating applicants, permitting apprentices, holding hearings and ordering disciplinary sanctions. The board also adopts regulations to establish certification and certification renewal requirements.

The board has served as a means to make people practicing Midwifery aware of the level of experience and education expected of them. Also, by having a board, the individuals that practice midwifery are held accountable to an established standard of care. Women seeking an alternative to hospital care for normal pregnancy and birth rely on the diligence of the board to enhance both the quality and accessibility of their healthcare. One notable enhancement: the board worked with the State of Alaska to establish Medicaid procedures for CDM services, thereby placing Alaska among eight states which both license their traditional midwives and provide Medicaid reimbursement for their services.

The board is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2003, and if the legislature does not act this session, the board will have one year to conclude its administrative operations. Based upon recommendations by the Division of Legislative Audit, HB 71 would extend the board's termination date to June 30, 2007.

Last Updated: 02/01/2003

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