Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) have been practicing in Massachusetts
since 1977. The first CNM delivery took place in Cambridge after CNM enabling legislation passed. enabling CNMs to practice.
CNMs in Massachusetts practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, health
maintenance organizations (HMOs), private health clinics, birth centers and
private practices.
Statistics
There are approximately 280 CNMs located in the state of
Massachusetts. CNMs practice in cities and rural areas throughout the state
including: Greater Boston area, greater Springfield, Worcester, Pittsfield,
Northampton, Amherst, Greenfield, Cambridge, Fitchburg, Quincy, and Great Barrington.
There are 111 nurse-midwifery practice sites in Massachusetts. In
1998, nurse-midwives attended 11,064 out of 81,411 total births or 13.6% of
all births and 17.3% of all vaginal births in Massachusetts. Most of those births occurred in hospitals while the
rest were in a birth center or at home.
Education
Massachusetts now has two educational programs for CNMs: an MPH
program at Boston University School of Public Health and a certificate program at Bay State Medical Center in Springfield. There are currently 47
colleges and universities in the United States offering certificate and master's
degree programs in nurse-midwifery.
Practice and Reimbursement Issues
Nurse-midwifery practice in Massachusetts is regulated by the Board of
Registration in Nursing under the Nurse Practice Act. Massachusetts CNMs have had prescription writing authority since 1991.
Massachusetts CNMs have mandatory third party reimbursement for their services.
1998 Statistics
11,064 CNM-attended births out of 81,411 total
13.6% of all births, 17.3% of vaginal births
National:
7% of all births
9% of vaginal births
MA ranks 5th in CNM birth numbers
1. New Mexico at 26%
2. Georgia at 20%
3. New Hampshire at 19.7%
4. Vermont at 19.2%
5. MA at 17.3%
Other NE states:
RI 15.6%
Maine 14.1%
Conn 10.5%