Board Meeting
September 11, 2020
The Alabama State Board of Midwifery met on Friday, September 11, 2020, to conduct business and hold a public hearing regarding the Amended Rules published in the June 2020 Administrative Monthly. In attendance were: (1)Ms. Stacey Bufkin(Board Chair), (2) Ms. Noel Leithart(member), (3) Mr. Chris Megginson (member), (4) Ms. Tori Dennis (member), (5) Ms. Marietta Nero (member), (6) Ms. Stephanie Armstead (7) Ms. Christine Litas (member) and Ms. Bettie Carmack (attorney). The physical meeting was held at 1032 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills.
The members of the public at the physical location were Rebekah Myrick, Lauren Collins, Matt Hart (attorney) representing the Board of Medical Examiners (BME), and Stephen McCormick (attorney) representing 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, Ms Bufkin, Board Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. and proceeded to preside over the meeting.
Ms. Bufkin presented the June 5, 2020 and June 20, 2020 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. Leithart made a motion to adopt the June 5, 2020 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Megginson and unanimously approved by the Board. Ms. Leithart made a motion to adopt the June 20, 2020 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Megginson and unanimously approved by the Board.
Ms. Bufkin invited the public to comment on the published Amended Rules. Mr. Megginson gave a summary of the written responses received from the Board of Pharmacy, Board of Nursing, Board of Medical Examiners, and the Medical Association of the state of Alabama. Mr McCormick of AlaHA expressed concerns about the scope of the rules and their vagueness.
Ms. Leithart reported that the Education Commission meeting was postponed due to COVID-19. No further information about a new meeting date yet. Legal counsel had nothing to report. Administrative Assistant, Dr. Porterfield Miller submitted a report on the financial situation, tracking income and expenditures for the last quarter. Also, it was reported that the Sunset Review Committee will meet to discuss the activity of the Board on Sept 24. The meeting will be available through the legislative website. The required attendees are the Board Attorney, the Board Administrative Assistant, and the Board Chair (or designee). Ms. Bufkin designated Ms. Leithart to represent the Board.
Ms. Dennis motioned to strike the words “procure and possess” from the published Amended Rules. Ms. Armstead seconded the motion. Roll Call vote was taken: Ms. Dennis voted aye; Ms. Armstead voted aye; Mr. Megginson voted aye; Ms. Nero voted aye; Ms. Leithart voted aye; Ms. Litas abstained. The motion carried.
Mr. Megginson motioned to move the corrected Amended Rules to be certified. Motion was seconded by Ms. Leithart and unanimously approved.
Mr. Megginson motioned to have the Board Chair and Board attorney draft the written responses to the various Agencies that wrote comments regarding the Amended Rules. Ms. Leithart seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
The Board solicited further comments from the public.
Next meeting is December 11, 2020
Future meeting dates were suggested.
- March 12, 2021
- June 11, 2021
- September 10,
2021 - December 10,
2021
There was no further business of the Board. Ms. Leithart made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Dennis seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Ms. Bufkin adjourned the meeting at 11:18am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Sharon Porterfield, Admin. Asst.
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