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Abstract:
As the U. S. health care system struggles to respond to demands for accessible, quality, sensitive, and cost-effective care, the contribution of nurse-midwives is receiving renewed attention. Many institutions are seeking assistance as they move to credential certified nurse-midwives for the first time or as they reassess their credentialing policies and procedures. This article provides an extensive review of multiple issues relating to credentialing nurse-midwives including nurse-midwifery education, licensure, scope of practice, professional liability, relationship with physicians, and delineation of privileges. The article also reviews Medicare Hospital Conditions of Participation and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requirements as they relate to nurse-midwifery practice.