Legislation

Although the State of Idaho historically has offered no certification process or licensure, direct entry midwives have been recognized in the Idaho code. Midwives are instructed to instill eye ointment in the newborn's eyes, and as the person attending a pregnant woman, to test for syphilis prenatally and to perform newborn metabolic screening on her baby, as well as filing birth certificates in a timely manner. Previously, midwives who wished to have their skills verified have sought voluntary certification through the North American Registry of Midwives. The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential is awarded upon successful completion of the certification process. With the passage of House Bill 185 in April 2009, midwives now are required to become licensed in the State of Idaho.

Several years ago, Idaho midwives realized that the time had come to seek licensure. Senate Bill 1145 Midwifery Voluntary Licensure Act, was presented to the Idaho legislature in the 2007 session but did not make it out of committee. After much rewriting, House Bill 488 Midwifery Voluntary License, was introduced to the 2008 House and was favorably received by many members of the House Health and Welfare Committee, but was pulled due to some problems which needed to be addressed.

During 2008, IMC's legislative committee worked tirelessly with organizations such as Idaho Medical Association, Idaho Perinatal Project and professional associations and boards to achieve a "consensus bill" which all would be able to support or regard as neutral. House Bill 185 An Act Relating to Midwifery was introduced to the Idaho House early in 2009, was passed out of the House State Affairs Committee on February 26 unanimously and with no opposition and likewise passed the Idaho House on March 3. The bill also passed the Senate Health & Welfare Committee (7 to 1) on March 16 and the Idaho Senate (32 to 3) on March 25. It was presented to Governor Otter on March 26 and was signed into law on April 1, 2009.

The Idaho licensure law for midwifery may be accessed at the following link:

http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title54/T54CH55.htm

We would like to especially thank the following people and groups who assisted greatly in our long legislative journey:
Barbara Rawlings, Michelle Bartlett, Paula Wiens and other members of the Idaho Midwifery Council
Rep. Janice McGeachin, our House sponsor, and the many supportive members in the Idaho House
Senator Shawn Keough, our Senate sponsor, and the many supportive members in the Idaho Senate
Idahoans for Midwives
NARM Chair Ida Darragh
Lobbyists Kris Ellis and Larry Benton
Idaho Perinatal Project, Idaho Medical Association and other professional associations and boards

Next steps...

1. The members of the Board of Midwifery, which acts through the Bureau of Occupational Licensing, have been appointed by Governor Otter:

Kyndal May, LMP, CD (DONA), LCCE, 1 year Public member
Dr. Clarence Blea, MD, 2 year Physician member
Paula Wiens, CNM, 3 year Midwife member
Michelle Bartlett, CPM, 4 year Midwife member
Barbara Rawlings, CPM, 5 year Midwife member

2. The bill has been enacted as of July 1, 2009. The Bureau of Occupational Licensing (IBOL) has called for meetings to draft rules, which have been written, published and passed by the Idaho legislature as of January 2010. This information may be accessed by going to www.ibol.idaho.gov and clicking on the "Midwives" link on the left side of the page. Rules, licensing information, forms and the like are available from this page.

4. In order to apply for licensing, midwives must have active CPM certification and MEAC approved classes in pharmacology, IV/shock and suturing. Scholarship info for these classes is located on the Upcoming Events page.

5. It is expected that the first midwives will be licensed in spring 2010.