IowaCertified Nurse Midwife License Requirements

Certified Nurse Midwives must complete a graduate-level midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Programs typically lead to an MSN or DNP degree and include extensive clinical hours in prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and gynecological services.

The AMCB (American Midwifery Certification Board) administers the national certification exam for nurse-midwives. The CNM certification requires graduation from an ACME-accredited program and passing the AMCB certification exam. Certification must be maintained through continuing education and periodic recertification.

Practice authority for nurse midwives varies by state. States with "Full" practice authority allow CNMs to practice independently without a collaborative agreement. "Reduced" practice states require some form of collaboration, and "Restricted" states require physician supervision. Prescriptive authority, including controlled substance scheduling, also varies significantly.

Certified Nurse Midwives provide a wide range of women's health services including prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, gynecological exams, family planning, and newborn care. Scope of practice varies by state and may include home birth attendance, hospital privileges, and prescriptive authority.

CE Details

36 contact hours per 3-year renewal cycle; abuse reporter training required

Regulatory Board

CNM licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state board of nursing. Continuing education requirements vary by state and typically include pharmacology hours. AMCB certification must also be maintained separately through the certificate maintenance program, which requires continuing education and periodic recertification.

Reciprocity Requirements

• •Active, unrestricted CNM/APRN license in another state
• •Current AMCB certification
• •Graduation from ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery program
• •Active RN license in the new state (or multistate NLC license)
• •Pass criminal background check
• •Submit endorsement application to the Iowa Board of Nursing

The APRN Compact allows advanced practice registered nurses, including CNMs, to practice in member states with a single multistate license. For non-compact states, CNMs must apply for licensure by endorsement, which typically requires current AMCB certification, verification of credentials, and meeting state-specific requirements.