The legislative study bill passed by the General Assembly last year allows the North Carolina Midwifery Joint Committee (MJC) to present recommendations during the next legislative session regarding the potential licensure of Certified Professional Midwives(CPMs).  On Tuesday, March 16, 2010, Melanie Phelps, NCMS Deputy General Counsel, spoke before the MJC to convey NCMS concerns regarding the licensure of these individuals.  The NCMS opposes CPM licensure standards that would put patients at risk by allowing relaxed training and education requirements and allow CPMs to practice without physician supervision.  The MJC holds monthly public meetings to discuss this issue. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at noon.