| Midwifery: How to Get Licensed |
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| Scope of Practice |
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Licensed Direct Entry Midwifery
A licensed direct entry midwife (LDM) supervises the conduct and labor of childbirth, advises the parent as to the progress of childbirth, and renders prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care as defined in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 687.405.
Licensed direct entry midwives provide care in the home, in birthing centers, clinics, and as teachers at midwifery schools. They are educated through self-study, apprenticeship, a midwifery school or college-based program distinct from the discipline of nursing.
Licensure is voluntary, and unlicensed midwives may practice in Oregon. However, state law allows reimbursement under the Oregon Health Plan only if a licensed midwife provides birthing assistance under ORS 687.420(3). Only LDMs are legally authorized to administer legend drugs and devices listed in Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 332-025-0040, including anti-hemorrhagics, oxygen, I.V. drip sets and catheters, and sutures.
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| Qualification Requirements |
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An applicant for licensure must have completed the minimum core competencies adapted from the 1997 Edition of the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) under OAR 332-015-0040.
The applicant must have also participated in 25 assisted deliveries, 25 deliveries in which the applicant was the primary care provider, 100 prenatal care visits, 25 newborn examinations and 40 postnatal examinations under OAR 332-015-0010(2).
In addition, the applicant must possess current CPR certification for adults and newborns, required education in approved legend drugs and devices under OAR 332-015-0070, and a written plan for emergency transport identifying care provided to a mother and infant should complications arise during delivery.
Examination: A passing score on the written examination administered by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) under OAR 332-015-0050 is also required.
Qualification requirements can be found in ORS 687.420(1) Standards for Licensing.
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| Application Process |
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To obtain an application packet, please contact the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) or click here to go to the Forms page.
Documentation
The following materials are required: documentation of education, minimum clinical experience, CPR certification, legend drugs and devices education (if seeking endorsement under OAR 332-015-0065), written plan for emergency transport, and passing score on the NARM examination.
Application, Questionnaire and Fees
Applicants must complete an application form, pay an application fee and initial practitioner license fee, and complete a mandatory Oregon Laws & Rules Questionnaire.
For more information, go to the Forms and Fees pages.
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| Renewal Process |
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Application for license renewal should be made in advance of the license expiration date to avoid late fees and practicing with an expired license. Renewal applications are mailed to licensees approximately six weeks prior to license expiration courtesy of the OHLA/Board of Direct Entry Midwifery.
Renewal applications must include self-attestation of continuing education, and proof of peer review, CPR certification and legend drug and devices education.
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| Reciprocity |
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An applicant who is currently licensed to practice direct entry midwifery in another state or who has been licensed within the past three years and who has not had a license suspended or revoked is eligible for licensure by equivalency.
In addition to a completed application form and required documentation listed in OAR 332-015-0030(2), (6)(a) through (g), and (7), applicants may obtain licensure with the following: proof satisfactory to the Board of Direct Entry Midwifery of a passing score from a state-sponsored exam which the Board finds to be the equivalent of the NARM examination; and an affidavit of licensure from another state as required under OAR 332-015-0060(b) and (c).
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