This section defines key midwifery terms and says a CPM-TN must be certified by the North American Registry of Midwives.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise: “Antepartal” means occurring during pregnancy; “Board” means the board of osteopathic examiners of the department of health to which the council of certified professional midwifery reports; “Certified professional midwife (CPM)” means a person who has obtained national certification from the North American Registry of Midwives; “Consultation” means exchange of information and advice regarding the client condition and indicated treatment with a physician; “Council” means the council of certified professional midwifery; “CPM-TN” means certified professional midwife in Tennessee. A “CPM-TN” must be certified to practice midwifery by the North American Registry of Midwives; “Department” means the department of health; “Intrapartal” means occurring during the process of giving birth; “Midwife” means a person who is trained to give the necessary care and advice to women during pregnancy, labor, and the post-birth period, to conduct normal deliveries on the midwive's own responsibility and to care for the newly born infant. The midwife is able to recognize the warning signs of abnormal conditions requiring referral to and/or collaboration with a physician; “Midwifery” means the practice of attending low-risk women during pregnancy, labor and the post-birth period with the informed consent of the mother. The scope of midwifery shall include comprehensive care of the pregnant woman during the antepartal phase, intrapartal phase, and postpartal phase, and application of emergency care when necessary; “NARM” means the North American Registry of Midwives; “Physician” means a person who is duly licensed in the state of Tennessee to practice medicine by the state board of medical examiners or to practice osteopathy by the board; and “Postpartal” means occurring subsequent to birth.