Midwife Reflects on Government Affairs Committee (GAC) Experience and Lobby Day 2010

My ACNM legislative tenure ended on a great high. The Midwifery Care Access and Reimbursement Equity Act of 2009 passed last March; as of January 1, 2011, the CNM reimbursement rate will increase from 65% to 100% of the Medicare Part B fee schedule. My other role as chair was to help organize midwives from across the country for Lobby Day. ACNM hosts its Annual Meeting in DC once every four years

How to Achieve Woman-friendly Policy One Legislator at a Time

by the ACNM Government Affairs CommitteeMinnesota midwives with Senator Al Franken (D-MN)Last month, more than 450 midwives and midwifery students traveled to the US Capitol to educate members of Congress on issues vital to the sustainability and growth of midwifery practice and to discuss our legislative agenda. Here is a peak into how midwives promoted woman-friendly policy one legislator at a

A Win for the Little People

by Heather Bradford, CNM, ARNPChair, ACNM Government Affairs CommitteeTuesday, March 23, was a big day for many Americans when the President signed major health care reform legislation into law. But Tuesday was an even BIGGER day for midwives. Under this new law, after 19 years of hard work, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) will be equitably reimbursed for their services under Medicare beginning

Top 10 Reasons to Attend Lobby Day

by Heather Bradford, CNM, ARNP, Chair, ACNM Government Affairs CommitteeOnce about every four years, ACNM hosts its Annual Meeting in DC. Why DC? We need your voice. On Tuesday, June 15, we hope hundreds of midwives will storm Capitol Hill to meet with their legislators (two senators and one US representative) and discuss issues vital to the sustainability and growth of midwifery. This is one