How is Midwifery regulated in Oregon State?

Licensure is voluntary, and unlicensed Midwives may legally practice in Oregon. However, state law allows for insurance reimbursement only if a licensed Midwife provides birthing assistance according to Oregon State Law. Only licensed direct entry Midwives are legally authorized to administer legend drugs and devices listed in Oregon Administrative Rules, including anti-hemorrhagics, oxygen, I.V. drip sets, and sutures.

What is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)?


The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential indicates that the midwife has met the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). The CPM is the only international credential that requires knowledge about and experience of childbirth in an out of hospital settings.  

What is a direct-entry midwife?

Direct-entry midwives learn midwifery through self-study, apprenticeship, a midwifery school, or a college- or university-based program distinct from the discipline of nursing.  A direct-entry midwife is trained to provide the Midwives Model of Care to healthy women and newborns throughout the childbearing cycle primarily in out-of-hospital settings. Licensed midwives are equipped with necessary supplies for a safe birth such as oxygen, drugs to control hemorrhage, suture supplies, ultrasound to monitor the fetal heart rate and necessary drugs such as vitamin K, and eye ointment for the newborn. Licensed midwives are certified in neonatal and adult CPR, qualified to offer prenatal testing, and refer for ultrasound and further testing when deviations from normal occur.