ASBM Board Meeting Minutes
Vestavia Hills City Hall
June 10, 2022
The Alabama State Board of Midwifery met on Friday, June 10, 2022 to conduct business. This meeting was held at Vestavia Hills City Hall. In attendance were: (1) Noel Leithart, Chair (2) Chris Megginson (member) (3) Layla Brown (member), (4) Dr. Joyce Loyd-Davis (member), (5) Christine Litas (member) was absent, (6) Laura Reeder, (member). Stephanie Armstead (member). Mr. Brad Chynoweth, Board attorney, and Dr. Sharon Porterfield (Administrative Assistant) were in attendance.
The members of the public in attendance were Mr. Matt Hart (attorney, Alabama Board of Medical Examiners), Nancy Megginson, LM, CPM and Dr. Ashley Tippins.
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, Dr. Porterfield, Administrative Assistant, called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m. The first order of business was the swearing in of new Board members Layla Brown, CPM, and Dr. Joyce Loyd-Davis, FNP. Swearing in of Board members was done by Dr. Porterfield. The next order of business was the election of a new Board Chair. The floor was opened for nominations. A motion was made by Mr Megginson and seconded by Ms Reeder to elect Noel Leithart as chair of the Alabama State Board of Midwifery. All were in favor with none opposed. The motion carried. The meeting was turned over to the chair, Ms Leithart, for the conducting of Board business.
Ms. Leithart welcomed the guests and presented the December 10, 2021 meeting minutes for the Board’s approval. Copies of the minutes were provided to the members prior to the meeting for their review. After no corrections, Ms. Reeder made a motion to adopt the December 10, 2021, minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr Megginson. All were in favor and none opposed. The motion carried. The December 10, 2021 minutes were unanimously approved by the Board. Dr. Loyd-Davis, a new member, asked for introductions of Board members and their positions.
Reports:
Board Chair Report:
AARB
The Chair suggested that the Board join the Alabama Association of Regulatory Boards ( AARB). This suggestion was recommended by the Alabama State Board of Examiners. The AARB is open to any consumer protection agency that issues professional or occupational licenses to individuals or companies conducting business in Alabama. The Board attorney, Mr. Chynoweth, stated that some of the benefits would include the opportunity to meet similar boards, to meet people of similar interest, and the Board would receive legal updates on issues pertinent to licensing boards. Another benefit would be free membership for the first six months. Mr Megginson made a motion to join the organization and it was seconded by Ms Brown. All were in favor with none opposed. The motion carried. The Chair will get the required information to join AARB.
Ms Leithart reminded the Board about the State Board of Examiners training. Board members that attending the Alabama State Board of Examiners training via zoom were Noel Leithart, Chair, Stephanie Armstead, member, Laura Reeder, member, and Sharon Porterfield, administrative assistant.
Complaint Review Committee
According to the Alabama State Board of Midwifery Administrative code, (582-X-4-.03), the Chair appoints the Complaint Review committee. Ms. Leithart appointed Chris Megginson (consumer representative). Other members of the Complaint Review committee are Ms Leithart (certified professional midwife) and Mr Chynoweth (board attorney).
License Renewal / Application for new License
The Chair informed the Board that there were twelve (12) applications for renewal. A motion was made by Mr Megginson and seconded by Ms Brown to approve the license renewal of LM#0001, LM# 0002, LM#0004, LM#0005, LM#0006, LM#0007, LM#0008, LM#0009, LM#0017, LM#0018, LM#0019, LM#0020. All in favor. None opposed. The motion passed unanimously.
The Chair brought forward one application for new license. Ms Reeder made a motion to go into Executive Session for 10 minutes to discuss the good name and character of the applicant. It was seconded by Mr Megginson. A roll call vote was taken; all in favor; Leithart, aye, Armstead, aye, Reeder, aye, Megginson, aye, Brown aye, and Loyd-Davis, aye. None opposed. The motion passed unanimously. The Board entered Executive session at 10:35. Discussion took place.
Mr Megginson made a motion to leave Executive Session and return to General Session it was seconded by Dr. Loyd-Davis. A roll call vote was taken; all in favor; Leithart, aye, Armstead, aye, Reeder, aye, Megginson, aye, Brown aye, and Loyd-Davis, aye. None opposed. The motion passed unanimously. The Board reentered General session at 10:45.
A motion was made by Mr Megginson and seconded by Ms Brown to approve the application for the licensure of LM#0023. All in favor, none opposed. Congratulations to Megan Chandler who will be serving Albertville and surrounding areas.
Legal Council Report
For the benefit of the new members, Brad Chynoweth explained his role as the Board Attorney. He explained the Open Meetings Act and how the Executive Sessions work within the Board meetings. He provided explanation on the purpose of the Complaint Review Committee and who serves on that committee.
Mr Megginson asked if the Board had completed all items required by the State audit. The Chair responded by stating that e-verify had not been completed due to difficulties as we have no employees. The Board attorney explain the difficulties in getting that done.
Administrative Assistant Report
The Administrative Assistant (Dr. Sharon Porterfield) report consisted of a review of the administrative assistant quarterly report and the financial report dated December 2021 – May 2022.
Comments or Concerns from the Public
There were no concerns or comments from the public.
The Chair asked for a motion to adjourn. The motion to adjourn was made by Ms Brown and seconded by Dr. Loyd-Davis. Time adjourned 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Dr. Sharon J. Porterfield
Administrative Assistant
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