American Midwifery Certification Board Ensures U.S. Certificants Meet/Exceed Worldwide Standards Set for Midwifery Care

LINTHICUM, Md., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) released its Essential Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice earlier this year, detailing a standard of competency for midwives throughout the world. The American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), the certifying body for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States, notes that its certification and recertification process ensures that its certificants meet or exceed the standards set by the ICM.

"We applaud the efforts of ICM to uphold high competency and educational standards for midwives," says Barbara Graves, CNM, MN, MPH, FACNM, the AMCB board president. "The AMCB certification process is based on documentation that we are certifying midwives who meet and/or exceed these global standards."

She continues, "As part of the AMCB mission to protect and serve the public by establishing and maintaining the certification standards for individuals educated in the profession of midwifery, we have long believed in a rigorous certification and recertification process for midwives. AMCB is the premiere certifying body in the United States for midwives, with over 12,000 certificants. We support the efforts of the ICM to improve the global standards and effectiveness of midwifery services."

The AMCB is the national certifying body for Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs©) and Certified Midwives (CMs©). Certification protects the public by ensuring that certified individuals have met predetermined criteria for safety in practice. State licensure provides the legal basis for practice. Most states require AMCB certification for licensure, and most institutions require AMCB certification to grant practice privileges. The certification function is a critical aspect of professional quality assurance in midwifery.

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) is a federation of midwifery associations representing countries across the globe. The ICM works closely with the World Health Organization, all United Nations agencies, and governments in support of safe motherhood and primary health care strategies for the world's families.

Contact: Carrie D. Bright, IOM, CAE
Executive Director, American Midwifery Certification Board, Inc.
410-694-9424
[email protected]
www.amcbmidwife.org

SOURCE American Midwifery Certification Board