Ch. 130, SLA 1992 established the Board of Certified Direct Entry Midwives (CDM's). HB 10, if enacted, would extend the board operation for another 4 years to June 30, 2003.

The duties of this regulating board include; examining applicants and issuing certificates to qualified applicants, issuing permits to apprentice direct entry midwives and reporting annually to the Governor and the Department. Additionally, the board approves curricula and adopts standards for basic education, training and apprentice programs.

Alaska's infant mortality rate is even higher than the national average which ranks 22nd among developed nations. Increasing the use of midwifery services in Western Europe and Japan has improved birth outcomes dramatically. The legislature, in a strong move of support last session, moved midwifery services up on the Medicaid eligibility list. This new listing will insure that these important services, which cost less than half of the Medical Model, will be funded.

Alaska is currently among the forerunners in the nationwide movement to establish a Midwifery Model of Care as an alternative choice to the Medical Model. The board is currently in its wind down year, so if this board is to continue its work, HB 10 must pass this session.