MIDWIFERY IN WASHINGTON STATE
Midwives attend births in a variety of settings, including homes, freestanding birth centers, and hospitals in accordance with the standards of practice of the State of Washington.
Washington State recognizes two separate paths for professional midwives:
- Licensed Midwives (LMs) complete an accredited midwifery program and are licensed by the State of Washington. Washington state law requires licensed midwives to complete 3 years in a state-approved midwifery educational program, which includes participation in 100 or more births and verification of clinical skills and didactic course work. To attain licensure, all LMs must pass an examination provided to the state by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). Licensed Midwives may have attended the following schools which offer state-approved midwifery educational programs:
A challenge process also enables other midwives to seek licensure in WA state if they graduate from an equivalent program from another state or country or if they present documentation of completion of “equivalent subject matter…and number of clinical managements under a (qualified) preceptor."
- Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are educated in the two disciplines of nursing and midwifery, are certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and are licensed by the State of Washington.
Licensed midwives are covered by all Washington-based insurance companies. Many out of state policies also provide coverage for midwifery services. However, your actual coverage may depend on the terms of the plan you subscribe to. It's always best to contact your insurance provider and check if you are covered.
For historical information about midwifery in WA state, click here, and read an article published in the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health in July 1999, titled "Evolution and current status of direct-entry midwifery education, regulation, and practice in the United States, with examples from Washington State." Volume 44, Issue 4, Pages 384-393.
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