Update from the States: Delaware CPM Legislation Passes House and Senate

New legislation will make it possible for CPMs to practice in Delaware

House Bill 70 was introduced and passed through both the Delaware House and Senate which will allow for Certified Professional Midwives and Certified Midwives to practice legally in Delaware without a written collaborative agreement beginning June 30, 2016. Since 1984 to present, CPMs needed a physician alliance and written collaborative agreement. This has prevented practice by all but one CPM who currently practices legally and has a written collaborative agreement. That practice currently is limited to serve only the Amish and Mennonite communities per the physician agreement.

Over the past 10 years, there has been continued education and community support for changes to be initiated in the current restrictions toward legal practice of CPMs. Through the many committee meetings with members of the medical community, State Board of Health, and legislators, discussion and education regarding the credentialing process of CPMs has become more clearly understood and accepted. Documents were submitted from numerous states where Certified Professional Midwives are working and valued as a safe option for out-of-hospital birth. Much discussion and work towards safe standards of care has been in process over the past year and now can start to be implemented once the Midwifery Council is designed and in operation. The Midwifery Council will draw up both standards of practice and scope of practice in the state which will then go to the Delaware Board of Medical Practice for approval.

Many thanks to the many members of the medical community, legislators, state board of health and families who were instrumental in helping this goal become realized. Also a special thanks to Shannon Burdeshaw, retired CPM and Karen Webster, CPM for all the time, energy and expertise in assisting the legislative process. Their prior legislative experience in other states served as a great asset to having Delaware join the many other states whose laws recognize and regulate Certified Professional Midwives as primary maternity care providers.