CPM Licensure Is Official in Massachusetts!

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On September 11, 2026, Massachusetts officially established state licensure for Certified Professional Midwives. After years of advocacy, organizing, testimony, meetings, and persistent work, CPMs are now formally recognized as part of the Commonwealth’s maternal health workforce.
This is a historic milestone for Massachusetts midwives, families, and community birth.
Temporary License Applications.

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Midwifery will begin accepting applications for temporary CPM licenses on:
Monday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m.

​Applicants will need current NARM certification and documentation related to their education, credentials, background check, and practice information.
Applications that are complete and have clear background checks are generally expected to result in licensure within 24–48 hours after review. Missing or incomplete information may require additional processing time.
Beginning September 14, LCPMs may also apply for a Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration, or MCSR.
TEMPORARY LICENSE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
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Important: CBDI Interest Form Due September 15
The Community Birth and Doula Initiative is offering a virtual orientation series to help midwives learn about Massachusetts perinatal programs and prepare for licensed practice.

An approved Massachusetts license is not required to participate. The series is open to CPMs, community midwives, and midwives preparing to apply for Massachusetts licensure.

​Topics will include MassHealth provider enrollment, newborn screening, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Early Intervention, home visiting, substance use supports, WIC, MCPAP for Moms, and vital records.
COMPLETE THE CBDI INTEREST FORM

​In this section:
  • What licensure means for CPMs (with downloadable checklist)
  • Timeline to implementation
  • Actionable steps to take now
  • NACPM Practice Documents
  • Comparative chart of MMA practice guidelines, NACPM's Credential Scope and Licensure scope/regulations 
  • ​State Board Meeting Information: meeting links, minutes & narrative meeting summary
  • MA-NACPM form to submit questions together as chapter. 
What This Means for CPMs
  • You will soon–once rules are finalized–apply for temporary licensure through the State. The regulation process is still in progress, and taking longer than expected.
  • MA Midwifery Licensure Application will automatically trigger the Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration application. Fees have not yet been determined but will likely range $150-$300
  • The State Board will supervise: issuance of licenses, renewals, investigation of complaints, development of practice standards and regulations for licensed CPMs. 
  • Massachusetts CPMs must prepare to transition from the current un-licensed status to a state-licensed model. This means gathering credentials, meeting any new requirements (education, exam, continuing education), and budgeting for application fees. Per law, initial license will not have a fee attached. Renewal fee shall not exceed $200 biennially. There will be a fee for the MCSR.  Checklist for Licensure
  • Integration into this regulatory framework offers an opportunity for increased professional recognition, access to reimbursement via insurance, enhanced professional opportunities and stronger collaboration with other healthcare providers — all of which bolster access CPMs and the Midwifery Model of Care.
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​Action Steps You Can Take Now
  1. Review your credentials — Make sure your CPM credential (from North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) or equivalent) is current and that your education/training are documented, since those will likely be required under the new law. 
  2. Track the regulation process — The Board must promulgate regulations (rules) before issuance of full licenses. MA-NACPM will alert members as soon as proposed regulations are published for comment. It's a long process!​ See the steps.
  3. Budget for licensure costs — Although the fee cap is $200 biennially, anticipate that administrative costs, continuing education, and other compliance steps may accompany the transition. Massachusetts Midwifery License 
  4. Stay engaged — As regulations are drafted your voice matters:   MA-NACPM will seek input from members to ensure the licensing framework supports accessible, community midwifery, avoids unnecessary burdens, and promotes equity.
  5. Participate in Board-related meetings — Most of the Board’s meetings will be virtual. Attending gives you insight into how policy is shaped and offers opportunities to provide comment and feedback.
    1. MA-NACPM will post detailed minutes after each meeting for more context and understanding. 
  6. Help inform families and collaborators — Use your practice and networks to educate families, medical providers, and the larger perinatal community about the upcoming licensing model. Clear communication helps minimize confusion during the transition.
  7. Get your Bridge Certificate at GCC.

NACPM Practice Guidance Documents 
The provisional licensure regulations adopted by the Board of Registration in Midwifery specifically reference the NACPM Standards of Practice as part of the standards temporary license holders must comply with during the implementation period.
In addition, the Massachusetts midwifery statute directs the Board to develop regulations and practice standards “consistent with the essential competencies identified by NARM,” further embedding CPM professional standards into the regulatory framework established by the Commonwealth.
Relevant NACPM professional documents and standards can be reviewed below:

Board of Registration in Midwifery -
​Agendas, Minutes & Reports

MA-NACPM has heard your voice. To combat misinformation, promote understanding, and strengthen engagement, we will attend every BRM meeting to summarize discussions, votes, and decisions so our community remains informed and up to date on matters affecting us all.
MA-NACPM Notes on 07/16 Meeting
MA-NACPM Notes on 06/18 Meeting 
MA-NACPM Notes on 05/21 Meeting (available soon)
​MA-NACPM Notes on 04/17 Meeting
MA-NACPM Notes on 03/19 Meeting
MA-NACPM Notes on 02/19 Meeting
MA-NACPM Notes on 01/15 Meeting
MA-NACPM Notes on 12/18 Meeting
MA-NACPM Notes on 11/20 Meeting
MA-NACPM Notes on 10/16 Meeting
Previous Meeting Agendas and State Posted Minutes
Timeline to Implementation
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​Massachusetts is implementing Licensed Certified Professional Midwife licensure in two stages: provisional licensure followed by full promulgation of the permanent rules and regulations.

Provisional licensure allows qualified CPMs to become licensed, obtain prescriptive authority, and begin enrolling with MassHealth while the complete regulatory framework continues through the state review process.

Key Dates
August 21, 2024
The Massachusetts Perinatal Omnibus legislation was signed into law.

November 21, 2024
The new law took effect.

February 21, 2025
Statutory deadline for the Board of Registration in Midwifery to hold its first meeting.

February 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
The Board of Registration in Midwifery convened for the first time.
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April 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
A public hearing was held on the proposed provisional licensure requirements under 274 CMR 3.00.
​Provisional License Applications Open —September 14 2026 
BHPL (Board of Health Profession Licensure) to open applications for provisional LCPM licenses. Provisional licensure will include prescriptive authority. (Check your email and this website for updates. We will keep the community informed as soon as provisional licensure opens, Chapter information sessions before licensure opens and continuing education opportunities. There are a lot of opportunities and a lot to acclimate to. We are dedicated to being a resource for members.)

​Within 60 days after provisional licensure opens
MassHealth is expected to open provider enrollment for LCPMs.

What is Moving Through Administrative Review Now?
The Board has approved and sent the remaining major sections of the LCPM regulations for administrative review: Administrative approval is the internal state review that happens before regulations can be formally issued for public comment. It is not another vote by the Legislature.
For the Massachusetts midwifery regulations, the process generally looks like this:
  1. The Board drafts and votes on the regulation.
    The Board decides that a section is ready to leave the drafting stage.
  2. Administrative review.
    The draft is reviewed within the Department of Public Health and Executive Office of Health and Human Services. State attorneys & policy staff check that it:
    • stays within the authority granted by the midwifery statute;
    • does not conflict with other Massachusetts laws or regulations;
    • uses legally enforceable language;
    • addresses financial, operational, and small-business impacts; and
    • meets the Commonwealth’s regulatory standards.
    Reviewers may return questions or suggested changes to the Board. If those changes are significant, the Board may need to review and vote again.
  3. Public notice and hearing.
    Once administrative review is complete, the proposed regulation is published for public comment. Massachusetts law generally requires at least 21 days’ notice when a public hearing is required. The public can submit written comments & speak at the hearing. A small-business impact statement is also filed. M.G.L. c. 30A, §2
  4. Review of comments and final Board vote.
    The Board and its attorneys review public comments. The Board may keep the language, revise it, or send part of it back for more work. The Board then votes on the final version.
  5. Final administrative clearance and filing.
    The approved regulation is filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. It becomes legally effective through publication in the Massachusetts Register and incorporation into the Code of Massachusetts Regulations. M.G.L. c. 30A, §§5–6​

Updated September 11, 2026

Detailed analysis of MMA practice guidelines, NACPM Scope of the Credential & Proposed MA Legislative Practice Scope

Questions for the Board of Registration in Midwifery?

​You’ve spoken — and we’ve been listening
The rules governing state boards are… well, a little odd.  
​For as much as they’re designed to encourage openness and access to information, they often seem to do the opposite.
But that’s okay - we’ve got this.

​There is power in many voices, and MA-NACPM is here to amplify them. Not only are we growing the collective Massachusetts midwifery voice, but we’re also in a position to make sure it’s heard.

​Your Voice Matters
​Thoughtful, specific questions get thoughtful, specific answers. When we ask clearly, we help shape the conversation. Let’s make sure the Board hears from the community that’s doing the work — our work.
​Submit your question and MA-NACPM will work to ensure it’s part of the conversation at the next Board of Registration in Midwifery meeting. 

​How it Works
1. Submit your questions.
MA-NACPM will collect community inquiries and present them to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Midwifery before each monthly meeting to get productive, helpful responses for all of us.

2. Prefer to reach out directly? That’s okay too — we respect your autonomy.
Contact the State Board directly at:  [email protected]    
​(617) 624-6122
Let's use our collective voice to be heard.
​Use this form to share your questions or concerns with MA-NACPM. You can choose to include your name and contact information — or remain anonymous if you prefer. All submissions are reviewed, compiled ahead of each monthly BRM  meeting and then submitted by MA-NACPM. 

    Questions for the
    ​MA Board of Registration in Midwifery
Questions & Member Support​
​If you have specific questions about how licensure will affect your practice or what you need to do next— please reach out to MA-NACPM.
We will maintain a dedicated FAQ (coming soon) and document section for members. Additionally, we plan to host a webinar before the provisional licensure launches. 
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