Alabama State Board of Midwifery Board Meeting Minutes
The Alabama State Board of Midwifery met on Friday, December 13, 2024, to conduct business. Board members present included (1) Ms. Laura Reeder (Chair), (2) Mr. Chris Megginson (member), (3) Ms. Christine Litas (member), (4) Ms. Noel Leithart (member), (5) Ms. Layla Brown (member), (6) Dr. Joyce Loyd-Davis (member), and (7) Ms. Stephanie Armstead (member). Also present were Mr. Brad Chynoweth, attorney to the Board, and Dr. Sharon Porterfield, Administrative Assistant.
The members of the public in attendance were Rebekah Myrick LM, and Matt Hart (BME).
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. Reeder called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
Ms. Reeder presented the minutes from the September 13 and October 15, 2024 board meetings. Mr. Megginson moved to accept the minutes. It was seconded by Ms. Leithart and approved unanimously by the board.
Administrative Assistant Report: Dr. Porterfield gave the quarterly report and the financial report.
Board Chair Report: Ms. Reeder reported that the Sunset Audit/Review went well with only a few findings. Five members of the board attended the Legislative Sunset Review committee meeting on Oct 24, 2024. The Committee gave a favorable report, recommending that the board continue another four years.
Ms. Reeder asked Ms. Leithart to comment on the suggested Rules revisions presented to the board by Ms. Rebekah Myrick, president of the Alabama Midwives Alliance. Ms. Leithart pointed out that some of the revisions are similar to the findings of the Sunset Review, most notably that the rules are not in alignment with the statute in regard to the duration of the license. The statute states 24 months and the rules state licenses are instituted for two years or fewer. Mr. Chynoweth brought up some changes or additions that need to occur in the Complaint Review section of the rules, mostly dealing with “unprofessional conduct.”
Ms. Reeder decided to form a Rules Committee to go over the suggested revisions, to meet with “stakeholders” and to present final suggestions for revisions to the board at the March board meeting. She appointed herself, Ms. Leithart and Mr.Chynoweth. Mr Megginson made a motion to accept the appointments. Ms. Armstead seconded. Roll call vote: Ms. Litas aye, Ms. Brown aye, Ms. Leithart aye, Mr. Megginson aye, Ms. Armstead aye, Ms. Loyd-Davis aye. All in favor, none opposed.
Ms. Reeder reminded the board of the meeting dates in 2025: March 14, June 13, Sept 12, and December 12, 2025.
With no further business to discuss and no comments from the public, Mr. Megginson made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Armstead seconded the motion. Ms. Reeder adjourned the meeting at 11:06 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon Porterfield
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