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CNMA Newsletter- October 2022













Welcome to National Midwifery Week!


Hello fellow midwives, student midwives, aspiring midwives, and midwife supporters!

Welcome to National Midwifery Week! For #MidwiferyWeek2022, we’re celebrating #MidwivesforJustice. I encourage each of you to share your stories on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and let everyone know what midwives are all about.


I want to take a quick moment to remind you to vote. The CNMA annual election is happening now, and we have a diverse and talented slate of midwives running to serve and to lead our organization–I am honored and humbled to be among them.


And I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve finally nailed down all the details for the CNMA Pre-Meeting Abortion Workshops (didactic and hands-on)–lots more about that in the Newsletter! In case you missed it, the governor signed almost every bill we supported this year, including SB 1375, which allows nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to perform first trimester abortion without standardized procedures or physician supervision. It’s up to us to ensure that everyone who wants it has access to safe abortion care, so I hope ot see you on November 5th at the Workshops!


As always, I’m available by email at parisbury@gmail.com and by text at (805) 415-2553.


In the spirit of service,


Paris Maloof-Bury, CNM, IBCLC

President, California Nurse-Midwives Association

 

National Health Policy

Support the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act (I CAN)

Take one minute to urge your representative to support the I Can Act! The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) applauds long-standing nursing and midwifery supporters and House Nursing Caucus Co-chairs Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Dave Joyce (R-OH) and original cosponsors Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Adrian Smith (R-NE) Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) on the introduction of the Increasing Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act, bipartisan legislation that seeks to improve access to evidence-based care as provided by the nation’s over 230,000 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN).


Introduced in the House on September 13, the I CAN Act would ensure that certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and other APRNs are able to provide comprehensive, coordinated, high-value care to the people and families they serve. The legislation addresses many of the remaining barriers to APRN care under the Medicare and Medicaid programs that are controlled by federal statute. Of specific interest to midwives licensed as CNMs and paneled as Medicare providers are the provisions that:

  • Authorize CNMs to bill for services related to training medical interns and residents in obstetrics in teaching facilities;

  • Enable CNMs to be included alongside nurse practitioners and physician assistants as providers eligible to certify and recertify a Medicare beneficiary for home health services without being subject to physician supervision; and

  • Enable CNMs to issue a prescription or written order for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) to Medicare beneficiaries as well as provide face-to-face encounters without being subject to physician supervision.

  • Updates our certifying body to the appropriate name (i.e., currently Medicare refers to the American College of Nurse-Midwives Certification Council. This has proven to be problematic for midwives trying to get paneled as Medicare providers b/c Medicare doesn’t recognize AMCB in federal statute).

For more information, read the complete ACNM Press Release and APRN Org Press Release.

Updated Standards for the Practice of Midwifery

The ACNM Board of Directors convened a Task Force in Fall 2021 to update the Standards for the Practice of Midwifery which had not been reviewed since 2011. After 1 year, 10 meetings, and multiple iterations, we present a renewed Standards for the Practice of Midwifery. The midwifery profession has grown and matured in the last decade, and more states have licensed midwives with independent practice and the ability to practice to the top of our education and scope.

The document was reorganized and streamlined. One major change is the removal of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) language. A stated requirement for CPGs does not appear in any other Standards language for U.S. providers that the Task Force reviewed (NP, MD, DO). Moreover, CPGs are frequently used to justify physician supervision. In its place now is language around evidence-informed practice, shared decision-making, and the hallmarks of midwifery, along with references to other ACNM standard-bearing documents. The Taskforce believes that this is more than adequate to allow states to create regulations that will assist in protecting the public. Certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives will continue to practice according to up-to-date quality standards.

 

California Prenatal Screening Program

On September 19th, The California Prenatal Screening (PNS) Program moved from an integrated biochemical screening to Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and MSAFP from 15-21 weeks. Lab orders are now entered exclusively on the PNS portal. While midwives are able to access the portal directly and place their own orders, CNMA is aware that midwives are not yet able to delegate the ordering of these tests to medical assistants. CNMA is actively working with the CDPH PNS Program to correct this, and you can look forward to updates on corrections in the coming weeks and months. Meanwhile, below are some resources and web pages to guide you in the new process:

 

Volunteer Opportunities

CNMA Reproductive Justice Anti-Racism Committee

California Nurse-Midwives Associate (CNMA) is recruiting members to join the CNMA

Reproductive Justice - Anti-Racism Committee. The aim of this committee is to diversify the midwifery workforce and CNMA leadership, work towards an organization composed of leaders with strong anti-racism skill sets, address racism-based disparities and injustices in sexual and reproductive health care, and promote access to anti-racist training and education for all California midwives. If you are interested in joining the group and you identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or Person of Color (BIPOC), please click here. If you identify as a white person and are interested in joining this group, please click here. Learn more about this call for new members here.

Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education

ACME is seeking a public member to serve on the ACME Board of Review. This is an unmatched volunteer opportunity that places dedicated, passionate professionals front and center in discussions and decision-making that lead to the best in midwifery education. BOR members provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance over the accreditation process. The BOR evaluates midwifery education programs for the purpose of granting pre/accreditation, monitors accredited programs to ensure continued compliance with ACME criteria; and as needed, reviews Mandatory Progress Reports (MPRs) from midwifery programs. A public member is one who shall not derive any income from the practice of midwifery. Public members are selected based on the following criteria:

  • Commitment to preparation of well qualified health care providers for women and children

  • Possesses knowledge and skills complementary to the purpose of the BOR

  • Is familiar with the accreditation process

  • Has a commitment to attend meetings and conference calls as necessary

  • Is able to communicate electronically

  • Does not have a real or perceived conflict of interest related to the work of ACME

Interested or know someone who is great for this opportunity? Send a current CV, Letter of Interest/Cover Letter, and 1-2 references to acme@acnm.org by Saturday, 11/12/22.

 

Scholarships, Grants, and Funding

Diverse Clinician Advancement Scholarship Program

The United Health Foundation's Diverse Clinician Advancement Scholarship provides up to $3,200 for current or former health professionals from historically underrepresented populations to advance their clinical credentials (e.g. CNA to LPN, doula to certified nurse-midwife). Applications are now open until October 31st, and up to 325 awards will be distributed in December, with the program reopening with another 325 awards available again in January. Scholarship America is the nonprofit organization managing this program. Learn more and apply by 10/31/22.

AABC Foundation Research Grant

The AABC Foundation has opened the application period for its research grants. These grants provide up to $5,000 to support research projects on issues related to the birth center model of care. Who can apply?

  • Open to individuals or organizations

  • Non-profit status is not required

  • Research project related to the birth center model of care

  • A demonstrated capacity and a plan to complete the research in accordance with the project's timeline

Letter of Intent due by 11/15/22. Learn more and apply here.


 

Education, Trainings, and Webinars

CNMA Abortion Workshop

Join us on Saturday, November 5, 2022 (the day before our Annual Meeting) for a two part abortion workshop.

Part 1: Saturday, November 5, 2022, 8 AM - 12 PM. This will be an online didactic course that covers values clarification, options counseling, and medication abortion. $100 / 4 CEUs. Limited to the first 60 registrants. Register here.

Part 2: Saturday, November 5, 2022 8 AM - 12 PM, 1 PM - 5 PM This will be offered in-person at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo and will cover manual vacuum aspiration. $100 / 4 CEUs. Limited to the first 40 registrants. Register here. We respectfully ask that the in-person portion of training be limited to people who are fully vaccinated, and who will be able to leave the training and begin providing abortion care. As we all know, there are currently limited training opportunities in the state of California and we’d like to maximize the impact this training will have. Please contact info@cnma.org with questions.

CNMA Annual Meeting

This year’s annual meeting will be held at the iconic Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo on Sunday, November 6, 2022, 7:30 am - 5:30pm. Both in person and virtual options available.

Current topics include Advanced Practice Nurses in Abortion Care, Environmental influences on the developing fetus, Outpatient Induction, and Maneuvers for Vaginal Breech delivery.

  • 8 CEs provided

  • Breakfast and Lunch provided

  • Evening dance party!

  • Vaccinated hugs!

Come join us, vaccinated and masked, for a day of camaraderie, learning, and being together

in solidarity as we learn, network and grow as providers. Visit cnma.org/2022 for registration and more information about the meeting. And…Print and post the Annual Meeting Flier HERE! Discounted registration for CNMA members, and non-members who register for the annual meeting will receive a discount code to join CNMA! Hurry, Prices go up again on October 1!

Mental Health in Nursing

Join ANA\C Fellow Gilanie De Castro and Rebekah Long as they host a panel discussing barriers to Employer Responsibility. The focus will be on the operations and logistics behind implementing mental health services and solutions (policy or otherwise), and what might impede the institutions’ ability to do so. Attendees will understand who and what is needed to implement new services and solutions; realize policies impeding access to mental healthcare; and learn what some organizations are doing to support their nurses. October 5, 2022, 10-11:30 AM PST. 1.5 CEUs. Register here!

Creating our Racism in Nursing Assessment: Catalyst to Case Study

Join ANA\C Fellows, Fatima Arastu and Carla Stanley, as they host a panel discussing how the group formed, created a shared mission, identified a gap, and created a solution within 12 months. The focus will be on the timeline, decision-making, and strategy that led to case study opportunities for ANA\California's Racism in Nursing and Healthcare Assessment. You will learn how to convene leaders of diverse experiences and backgrounds to a common goal; how to organize and navigate information to create action; and how to create opportunities to share your proposed solution. 10/13/22, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM PST. Register here.

AWHONN National Conference: Submit Your Proposal

For the 2023 AWHONN Convention, June 17-21 in New Orleans, LA, we are challenging participants to Get Ready for What’s Next and are looking for industry leaders who can share pioneering methods to address current and diverse challenges, explore methods of translating diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts, and instruct how to address injustices that impact health and well-being using interprofessional collaboration. At this time, we are accepting proposals for posters and podium presentations. Convention proposal submissions should be timely, relevant, and evidence-based topics that feature best practices in education, research, clinical practice, and leadership intended to engage our participants and assist AWHONN nurses to thrive in today’s ever-changing global health care environment. All submissions for both posters and podiums must be completed no later than 11:59 pm (Eastern time) on 10/17/22. Notifications of the Convention Program Committee selections will be emailed to submitters in January 2023.

Transforming White Privilege

We invite you to explore with us our understanding of white privilege, racism, and anti-blackness. We will examine the history of race and racism and the culture of white supremacy and white fragility, as we learn to interrupt the harmful effects of racism. Engaging with readings, videos, exercises, personal stories and restorative practices, we will build a supportive, healing community while we cultivate the skills needed to show up together as white

midwives and birth workers to do the work of dismantling racism in maternity care. Please email a paragraph expressing your interest and motivation for taking the course to our facilitators at transformingprivilege@gmail.com. We ask that you plan to attend all of the sessions and do the assigned videos and readings for each class. This class has been created

especially for white midwives and birth workers. Please share if you have any special concerns or recommendations. 9/26/2 - 10/24/22, Mondays 12-2:30 PST.

Contemporary Issues in Advanced Practice

The UCSF Office of Advanced Practice, in partnership with the UCSF APP Education Committee, invites you to participate in the upcoming conference: Contemporary Issues in Advance Practice on October 21st, 2022 from 8:30 AM - 5 PM PST. UCSF designates this live activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit TM. Register here.

Suicide-Focused Assessment and Treatment: An Update for Professionals

FREE Suicide Assessment Workshop on Wednesday, 10/26/22 from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Learn from national suicide experts who will present the most recent, leading-edge advances in suicide-focused assessment and treatment using a comprehensive online syllabus–all from the comfort and safety of home. Educational credits are also available for a small fee. Learn more and register.

The Midwife as Surgical First Assistant

ACNM has a full schedule of The Midwife as Surgical First Assistant (First Assist) Virtual Clinical Labs available in 2022! First Assist focuses on training midwives to participate and provide continuity of care for patients during a cesarean section. The First Assist Virtual Clinical Labs fill up fast (October is SOLD OUT), so be sure to register for the date you need NOW!

Webinar:The Latest Developments in Maternal Mental Health Screening

This depression screening month, join 2020 Mom and partners to learn about the latest developments in maternal mental health screening, including:

  • Recommended screening tools, featured in 2020 Mom’s Universal Screening Issue Brief, including use of the PHQ-4 (a short screener to identify anxiety and depression) and when to screen for suicide risk, for example.

  • To highlight the screening tools: Considerations for culturally relevant/sensitive screening tools

  • The new National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) HEDIS screening measures and the first set of U.S. screening rates.

  • Screening timeframe recommendations, including MMHLA’s partner advocacy organizations’ forthcoming recommendations.

  • Actions being led by 2020 Mom to increase obstetric provider screening rates, including addressing obstetric provider reimbursement and care navigation efforts. October 26, 2022, 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM PST. Learn more and register here.

Antenatal Corticosteroids: The Good, the Bad and the Unknown

In the February 2022 Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement, the seven days preceding preterm delivery were noted to be the optimal window for steroid administration. Steroids had the most prominent, life-saving effects on the mother and baby when used during this critical period. This free webinar aims to review fetal lung development and how the timing of antenatal corticosteroids may help or harm neonatal lives when administered for this purpose. Dr. Ruma will guide the audience through historical contributions to this important topic, delve into recently published clinical studies, and discuss current recommendations and controversies. Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 11 AM PST. Register here.

Perinatal Potpourri 2023 Advances in Care

The Mid-Coastal California Perinatal Outreach Program asks you to save the dates: March 23 & 24, 2023. Join your national & international colleagues for the 42nd Annual Perinatal Potpourri 2023 Advances in Care. This webinar-based CME/continuing education conference will provide current up-to-date advances in maternal, fetal and neonatal medicine. The nationally recognized faculty will present a variety of topics through lectures, panel presentations and case-based discussions.

Partners in Practice: Uncovering Solutions and Strategies for Staffing and Reproductive Justice

Participants will gain a better understanding of the AWHONN Staffing Standards and implementation strategies through case-based presentations and small group discussions. Learning about reproductive justice with a respectful maternity care lens will engage participants in approaches to improve pregnancy outcomes. Implementation strategies and the principles of respectful care will cross the perinatal and neonatal care settings. Online, January 26, 2023, 6:30 AM - 2 PM PST. 6.5 CEUs/$99. Register here.

Intermittent Auscultation Simulation-Based Education, V2

Intermittent auscultation (IA) promotes freedom of movement and is an evidence-based standard of care for fetal assessment during low-risk labor and childbirth. This activity was developed by the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement (PQI) to ensure nurses have access to essential resources to support the moms and babies in their care. The Interactive Simulation-Based Education, v2, from PQI provides nurses with interactive and evidence-based training giving them the education they need to perform and interpret IA confidently. 1 CEU, online educational program available through 5/20/24. Learn more and register here.

Labor Support for Intended Vaginal Birth

This Guideline provides evidence-based clinical practice recommendations to support individualized labor based on the best available evidence. The goal is to promote safe vaginal birth with limited medical interventions. Labor support strategies should be provided from admission through birth and should be used to complement the labor process for people who choose to use pharmacologic agents for pain management. This Guideline provides evidence-based approaches to accomplish the following: empower people in labor to achieve their wishes using a shared decision-making model; provide labor support strategies to incorporate into standardized care practices; minimize technological interventions during labor; and decrease cesarean birth. Learn more and purchase the program here.


To view previously listed educational opportunities, please visit our website at https://www.cnma.org/courses.

 

Medi-Cal Rx

The Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for September is available. The monthly bulletin consists of alerts and notices posted to the Bulletins & News page on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Sign up for the Medi-Cal Rx Subscription Service to be notified when new information is posted. Additional information is available below:

 

Midwife Crush Mondays!

Do you know an amazing Midwife who is doing revolutionary work? We want to feature them on our social media platforms!


CNMA is looking for submissions for our new social media series “Midwife Crush Monday” where we highlight the stories of trailblazing midwives across the industry who are making a difference in the midwifery profession. You can even submit yourself!

Here’s what we’re looking for:

  • Midwife’s name (include pronouns)

  • Affiliated organization(s)

  • Why you became a midwife (and anything awesome you’d like to brag about)

  • Headshot/Photo if available

  • Bonus: Please include social media handles for tagging!

Please send submissions to sm@cnma.org for consideration!


Visit us at CNMA.org!


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