Federal Agencies and CNM Legal Practice

Federal agencies such as Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have played a role in defining certified nurse-midwifery practice, especially in the context of research, training programs and clinical care sites.  Federal agencies have also been known to publish treatment guidelines, which may define or limit how a CNM/CM will practice. 1 In similar fashion, programs such as Medicare and Medicaid establish guidelines for practice related to their reimbursement of clinicians and health care entities.  Through the Health Care and Financing Act (HCFA), limits can be placed on the type and amount of care offered in a given care setting. *