The Alabama State Board of Midwifery met on Friday, March 8, 2024, to conduct business. Board members present included (1) Ms. Noel Leithart (Chair), (2) Mr. Chris Megginson (member), (3) Ms. Christine Litas (member), (4) Ms. Laura Reeder (member), (5) Ms. Layla Brown (member), and (6) Ms. Stephanie Armstead (member). Also present were Mr. Brad Chynoweth, attorney to the Board and Dr. Sharon Porterfield, Administrative Assistant. Dr. Joyce Loyd-Davis (member) was absent.
The members of the public in attendance were Nancy Megginson LM and daughter Sara, Rebekah Myrick LM, Tracie Stone CPM, Jacky Stone, Ariel Dickerson CPM, Neilya Left, Barbara Green, Rebecca Whitson & children John, Elizabeth, Thomas, and Amy Yurkania AL.com reporter.
The Board meeting had been advertised on the Secretary of State’s website, in accordance with the Alabama Open Meetings Act. With a quorum of board members present, Ms. Leithart called the meeting to order at 10:04am.
Ms. Leithart presented the minutes from the July 27, 2023, September 8, 2023, and December 19, 2023 board meetings. Ms. Brown moved to accept all of the minutes. It was seconded by Ms. Reeder and approved unanimously by the board.
Administrative Assistant Report: Dr. Porterfield gave the quarterly report and the financial report.
Legal Counsel Report: Mr. Chynoweth, Board Attorney, gave an update on the lawsuit by the ACLU regarding the birth center rules that ADPH has implemented.
Board Chair Report: Ms Leithart reminded the Board members that they are to listen to the videos sent out by the Board of Examiners regarding Board training. She also reminded them of the requirement to fill out their Statement of Economic Interest.
Ms Brown made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss the good name and character of the applicant for licensure with a time limitation of 10 minutes. It was seconded by Ms Armstead. Roll call vote: Ms. Reeder aye, Ms. Litas aye, Mr. Megginson aye, Mrs. Brown aye, Ms Armstead, aye. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. The Board entered Executive Session at 10:15am. The Board reconvened at 10:25am. A motion was made by Mr. Megginson and seconded by Ms. Brown to approve LM-0028. The Board voted to approve applicant LM-0028.
Ms. Leithart, Chair, welcomed newly licensed midwife Tracie Stone, LM-0028. She is the first African-American midwife trained and educated in the state of Alabama. Congratulations, Ms Stone!
With no further business to discuss and no comments from the public, Ms. Armstead made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Reeder seconded the motion. It passed unanimously. Ms. Leithart adjourned the meeting at 10:27 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
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