ACNM Divisions

One unique and special aspect of the American College of Nurse-midwives is the involvement of its members in the activities of the College through its divisions and committees. A vast amount of what is accomplished by this organization is due to the volunteer efforts of CNMs across the country who contribute their expertise, energy, time, and perspective to the work of these groups. The brief description of each division and committee which follows is for information and to encourage participation in an area that suits individual CNM interests and talents. For more information, read ACNM Fact Sheet "An Overview of Divisions and Committees". To volunteer for a committee or division, use the Volunteer Application.

Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (formerly Division of Accreditation)

Plans, implements and evaluates the accreditation process of nurse-midwifery and midwifery education programs and freestanding institutions of higher education that offer nurse-midwifery/midwifery education programs. Accreditation Commision for Midwifery Education (ACME) differs from other ACNM divisions in that it is administratively and financially separate from ACNM. The ACME includes 4 units: the Governing Board, the Board of Review, the Site Visitors Panel, and the Advisory Committee. ACME members are appointed by the ACME Governing Board.

Division of Education

Establishes and updates educational resources to facilitate the preparation of midwives. Determines activities that facilitate competency in the practice of midwifery and develops criteria that allow an individual to demonstrate such competency. Delineates and implements the process for practicing midwives to obtain current knowledge and update skills.

Division of Research

The Division of Research contributes to the health of women and infants and the advancement of the profession of midwifery through promotion and participation in the conduct and development of research. It includes the following Sections: Research Dissemination, Networking, Data Information & Management, and International.

Division of Standards and Practice

Provides and promotes development, communication, and review of midwifery clinical practice. Facilitates effors to collect, maintain, and distribute information about relevant professional liability matters to members and the public and assists midwives to understand and minimize the risk of professional liability claims. Builds and supports a grassroots lobbying network in order to successfully influence U.S. maternal-child health policy that will affect CNM practice and the health of women and childbearing families; communicates to the ACNM BOD the legislative needs of CNMs practicing under vaired state laws; and develops educational resources for the ACNM membership which will build skills in the areas of a) changing health policy, b) developing economically stable practices, and c) promoting public awareness of nurse-midwifery.

Division of Women's Health Policy & Leadership

The purpose of the Division of Women's Health Policy & Leadership is to improve the health of women at the community level through the development, implementation, and promotion of public policy and information initiatives. Includes the following sections: Policy and Evaluation, Networking, Leadership, Emerging Issues & Developing Trends, and Public Information.

Read the ACNM policy on "Professional Nursing and Midwifery Activities of Members Holding Appointed or Elected Positions in ACNM"