​Every CPM in our state should understand why the new national Framework matters—and how it strengthens our work in Massachusetts.

The Certified Professional Midwives Framework (2025) is the national profession-defining document issued by NACPM, in partnership with MEAC and NARM.
It brings together—into one unified source—everything that defines the CPM profession. 

CPMs have long held a critical role in ensuring accessible, high-quality maternity care across diverse communities. As the profession continues to grow and evolve, so does our responsibility to maintain and communicate a comprehensive, consistent framework for quality, education, practice, and ethics. With this document, NACPM aims to clarify the current foundational elements of the CPM credential. This framework serves as an essential guide for all who are involved in or impacted by midwifery care: aspiring and practicing CPMs, educational institutions, the public, policy makers, and other stakeholders in the healthcare system.

Why this matters nationally

This Framework is our backbone. It gives everyone who stands with us—the same language, the same standards, and the same strength to push this profession forward.
​
​• Establishes CPMs as a mature, standards-based profession
• Aligns CPM education and certification with ICM global midwifery standards
• Provides regulators with clear, ready-to-use guidance
• Supports national efforts for Medicaid, TRICARE, and Indian Health Services (IHS) reimbursement
• Reinforces CPM autonomy, accountability, safety, and quality improvement

Why this matters in Massachusetts

As Massachusetts implements licensure for the first time, this Framework guides our state in:
• Aligning regulations with national standards
• Supporting integration into the larger perinatal landscape: PNQIN, hospitals, birth centers, community health centers, etc. 
• Building workforce pathways and licensure-readiness programs
• Strengthening arguments for MassHealth and private insurance reimbursement
​• Establishing consistent expectations for documentation, quality, and collaboration

Why this matters for you

• You are autonomous primary midwifery provider with a nationally defined scope.
• You are accountable to the national CPM Standards of Practice.
• Your credential is aligned with MEAC, NARM, NACPM, and ICM.
• Data submission is a professional responsibility and essential for policy progress, equitable pay, sustainability, continuing   education support
​• The Framework is your tool for advocating for sustainable CPM practice in Massachusetts.

10 NATIONAL PRACTICE STANDARDS FOR CPMs

1. WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CLIENTS  Transparent communication, informed decision-making, shared responsibility, holistic assessment, and respect for client autonomy.

2. GROUNDING CARE IN NORMAL PHYSIOLOGIC BIRTH
Protecting the birthing dyad, honoring the natural process of birth, and supporting physiologic care.

3. PROVIDING INDIVIDUALIZED CARE  
​Continuous, evidence-based care tailored to each client, with minimal interventions and strong emergency competency.

4. SUPPORTING CLIENT CARE AUTONOMY
Respecting informed choice and informed refusal, clear communication, and appropriate referral or transfer when needed.

5. CONCLUSION OF CARE
Thorough postpartum care, reflection, education, and coordinated transition to ongoing community resources.

6. COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENTATION & DATA COLLECTION  
Accurate, secure, timely records; strong privacy protections; and full documentation of assessments, decisions, and informed choice.

7. PROVIDING EVIDENCE-BASED CARE
Integrating current research, contributing to ongoing study, and understanding the history and policy impacts on client well-being.
​
8. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY
Peer review, client feedback, data reporting, and ongoing education to maintain excellence in care.

9. SUSTAINABILITY OF THE MIDWIFE
Prioritizing self-care, mental health, boundaries, financial stability, leadership development, and long-term professional viability.

10. WORKING IN PRECEPTORSHIP WITH STUDENTS Ethical, structured, competency-based mentorship; modeling professional standards; and supporting safe, inclusive education.