Questions
How to Verify a Midwife Is Licensed in California: 5 Simple Steps
To verify a midwife is licensed in California, check the California Medical Board's license lookup tool, confirm national certification with AMCB or NARM, and review disciplinary records. Always ask for their license number and verify directly with the board.
Step-by-Step: Check a Midwife's California License
- Ask for their license number – Every licensed midwife in California has a license number issued by the California Medical Board. They should be happy to share it.
- Visit the California Medical Board's website – Use the license lookup tool on the board's official site. Enter the license number or the midwife's name to see if the license is active and in good standing.
- Verify the license type – In California, midwives can be licensed as Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) or Licensed Midwives (LMs). Make sure the license matches the type of care you're seeking.
- Call the board directly – If you have any doubts or can't find the information online, call the California Medical Board's consumer information line. They can confirm the license status over the phone.
- Check for any disciplinary actions – The license lookup will also show if there have been any complaints or actions taken against the midwife. This is a crucial step in verifying a midwife is licensed and in good standing.
At The Midwife and More, we're happy to share our credentials and answer any questions about our licensing. We serve families in Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and nearby areas.
Which Midwife Credentials Matter in California?
In California, midwives have different credentials, and it's important to know which ones are legally recognized and what they mean.
| Credential | What It Means | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| CNM (Certified Nurse-Midwife) | A registered nurse with advanced training in midwifery, certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). | Licensed in all 50 states, including California. |
| CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) | A midwife certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM), trained for out-of-hospital births. | Not licensed in California, but may practice under certain conditions. |
| LM (Licensed Midwife) | A midwife licensed by the California Medical Board, often with CPM certification. | Legal in California for home births and birth center births. |
| CM (Certified Midwife) | A midwife with a master's degree in midwifery but not a nursing background, certified by AMCB. | Not recognized in California. |
When verifying a midwife is licensed, focus on CNM or LM credentials, as these are the ones recognized in California. Our team includes a board-certified nurse midwife and women's health nurse practitioner with over 23 years of NICU experience.
Where to Verify a Midwife's National Certification
- Check the AMCB for CNMs – If your midwife is a CNM, visit the American Midwifery Certification Board's website and use their certification verification tool to confirm their active certification.
- Check NARM for CPMs – For Certified Professional Midwives, the North American Registry of Midwives offers a certification lookup on their site. This confirms they've met national standards.
- Ask for proof – A midwife should be able to provide a copy of their current certification. Look for the expiration date to ensure it's up to date.
- Cross-reference with the state license – National certification is separate from state licensing, but both are important. Make sure both are current and in good standing.
If you're considering a midwife in the Agoura Hills area, we're happy to share our AMCB certification and California license details. We've supported over 700 hospital births and are committed to transparency.
Red Flags: Signs a Midwife May Not Be Licensed
Knowing how to verify a midwife is licensed also means knowing what to look out for. Here are some warning signs that a midwife may not be properly licensed.
A good fit if…
- They openly share their license number – A licensed midwife has nothing to hide and will readily provide their credentials.
- They have a clean disciplinary record – No complaints or actions against them with the California Medical Board.
- They're transparent about their scope of practice – They'll explain what they can and can't do, and refer you to a physician when needed.
Consider another option if…
- They avoid answering questions about licensing – If they're vague or defensive, that's a red flag.
- They claim to be 'certified' but can't provide proof – Always verify with the official board or registry.
- They have a history of disciplinary actions – Check the board's website for any public records.
If you're unsure, ask for a consultation to discuss their experience and credentials. Our team at The Midwife and More is always happy to answer your questions.
Directions to our midwife near me from Grant R. Brimhall Library
Start at Grant R. Brimhall Library and head to The Midwife and More at 5115 Clareton Drive, suite #100, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.
How to Look Up a Midwife's Disciplinary Record
- Visit the California Medical Board's license lookup – This tool not only shows if a license is active but also any disciplinary actions taken.
- Search by name or license number – Use the exact spelling of the midwife's name to get accurate results.
- Review the disciplinary history – Look for any public actions, such as probation, suspension, or revocation.
- Contact the board for details – If you find something concerning, call the board to get more information about the nature of the action.
This step is part of verifying a midwife is licensed and ensures you're choosing a provider with a clean record. We welcome you to look up our credentials at The Midwife and More in Agoura Hills.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a CNM and a CPM in California?
A CNM (Certified Nurse-Midwife) is a registered nurse with advanced midwifery training and is licensed in California. A CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) is certified by NARM but is not licensed in California, though they may practice under certain conditions.
Can a midwife prescribe medication in California?
Yes, CNMs in California can prescribe medications, including prenatal vitamins and certain medications during pregnancy. Check with your midwife about their specific scope of practice.
How often do midwives need to renew their license?
In California, midwives must renew their license every two years, and they must complete continuing education requirements to maintain certification.
Also asked as
- How do I check if a midwife is licensed in California?
- What credentials should a midwife have?
- How do I verify a midwife's certification?