Board Meeting
August 23, 2019
The Alabama State Board of Midwifery met on Friday, August 23, 2019, to conduct business. Board members physically present at the primary physical location were: (1) Ms Noel Leithart (Board Chair), (2) Ms Tori Dennis (member), and (3) Ms Marietta Nero (member). Board member in attendance electronically was (1) Ms Kaycee Cavender (member). Also in attendance was Ms Bettie Carmack (attorney) by phone until 11:25, then in person. Absent Board members were: (1) Ms Stephanie Armstead (member), (2) Ms Stacey Bufkin (member), and (3) Ms Colleen Tullis (member). The physical meeting was held at Vestavia City Hall, Vestavia Hills.
The members of the public at the physical location were Heather Felder, Layla Brown, Chris Megginson, Rebekah Myrick, Nancy Megginson, Rachel Thompson,Nadia Gramby, Charity Moore, and Stephen McCormick representing the Alabama Hospital Association (AlaHA).
The Board meeting had been advertised on the Secretary of State’s website, in accordance with the Alabama Open Meetings Act. There being a quorum of board members present electronically and at the physical location, Ms Leithart, Board Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 11:01 a.m. and proceeded to preside over the meeting.
Ms. Leithart presented the May 3 and June 21, 2019, meeting minutes for the Board’s approval. Copies of the minutes were provided to the members prior to the meeting for their review. No corrections or addendums were made. Ms Dennis made a motion to adopt the May 3, 2019, meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Ms Nero and unanimously approved by the Board. Ms Dennis made a motion to adopt the June 21, 2019, meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Ms Nero and unanimously approved by the Board
Ms Leithart reported on website updates, making it more user friendly. She also reported that the budget is now in STAARS, but still working with them to set up invoicing. She communicated with AARB. Their annual membership is $1000 but they will research and get back to her about associate membership for less. Liability Insurance is active now for the Board. It is effective as of Aug 12, being prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, then the full amount for FY2020 is $1000 to cover all 7 Board members. Noel reported that she has notified Alabama Midwives Alliance and Alabama Birth Coalition about the two CPM positions on the Board that will expire on January 31, 2020. She also presented a copy of the past year’s expenses and income.
Ms Carmack reported that there is not yet an opinion from the AG’s office regarding the newborn metabolic screening cards. She also reported that there is no change in Medicaid acknowledging midwives as providers. Ms Carmack presented a copy of the new Rules regarding the Complaint Review chapter. After going over the changes, Ms Dennis motioned to add administrative assistant 582-X-4-.03(a)(3) and to strike 582-X-4-.04(a)(4) in the draft of the amended version of the Rules. Ms Dennis then motioned to accept the newly amended draft of the Rules and submit them for publication. Ms Cavender seconded. The motion passed without exception.
Ms Nero made a motion to go into executive session for 45 minutes for the purpose of discussing the good name and character of the applicant for licensure and the applicants for the position of administrative assistant. Ms Dennis seconded the motion. Ms Carmack certified the executive session. Roll Call vote was taken: Ms Cavender voted aye; Ms Nero voted aye; Ms Leithart voted aye; Ms Dennis voted aye. The motion was unanimously approved by the Board. Executive session began at 12:00pm. Ms Nero motioned to reconvene the regular board meeting at 12:45pm. Ms Dennis seconded. Roll call vote was taken: Ms Cavender voted aye; Ms Nero voted aye; Ms Leithart voted aye; Ms Dennis voted aye. The motion carried unanimously. The Board resumed the general meeting at 12:45pm
Ms Nero motioned to grant license to Applicant A8232019. Ms Dennis seconded. Ms Cavender aye, Ms Dennis aye, Ms Nero aye, Ms Leithart aye. 4 in favor, none opposed.
Ms Leithart expressed congratulations to newly Licensed Midwife, Christine Litas LM-0010
There were two applicants for the position of administrative assistant. After discussion, Ms Nero motioned to offer a 3 month contract to Rebekah Myrick, to be reviewed at the end of that term. Ms Dennis seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Ms Nero voted aye, Ms Dennis voted aye, Ms Cavender voted aye, Ms Leithart voted aye. None opposed. Ms Myrick will begin Sept 16, 2019
Ms Dennis motioned that the Board submit a budget to the Budget Office for fiscal year 2020 for $25,000. Ms Cavender seconded the motion, and it was approved with unanimous vote by the Board.
Ms Dennis motioned that the Nov 8 meeting by the Board be moved to Dec 13, 2019, at Vestavia City Hall. Ms Nero seconded the motion and it was approved. Ms Dennis motioned that dates for the Board meetings in 2020 be on March 6, June 5, Sept 11, and Dec 11, 2020. Ms Cavender seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.
The Board solicited comments from the public.
There was no further business of the Board. Ms. Nero made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Dennis seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Ms. Leithart adjourned the meeting at 12:51 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Noel J. Leithart
Chair