Alabama State Board of Midwifery Meeting Minutes
The Alabama State Board of Midwifery met on June 13, 2025, to conduct business. Board members present included (1) Ms. Laura Reeder (Chair), (2) Mr. Chris Megginson (member), (3) Ms. Christine Litas (member), and (4) Ms. Noel Leithart (member). Also present were Mr. Brad Chynoweth, attorney to the Board, and Dr. Sharon Porterfield, Administrative Assistant. Ms. Layla Brown (member) and Dr. Joyce Loyd-Davis (member) were absent.
The members of the public in attendance were Nicole Yingling and her husband, Rebekah Teel, Nancy Megginson, LM, and children, Rebekah Myrick, LM, Matt Hart (attorney for 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 10:04 am.
Ms. Reeder swore in the new board member, Dr. Pamela Smith, filling the RN position. Dr. Smith was appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate. Ms. Reeder and Mr. Megginson’s positions were also reappointed and approved.
Ms. Reeder presented the March 14, 2025, board meeting minutes. Ms. Reeder noted that Ms. Litas was not actually present at the meeting, so the minutes need to be amended to reflect that information. Mr. Megginson has moved to accept the minutes as amended. 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. She also presented an updated Renewal Application Form for the Board’s approval. The Board approved the revised document unanimously.
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.
It was moved by Ms. Leithart and seconded by Mr. Megginson to approve the Administrative Assistant MOA. A roll call vote was taken, and it passed unanimously.
Roll call vote: Ms. Reeder aye, Dr. Smith aye, Mr. Megginson aye, Ms. Leithart, aye and Litas,aye. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.
Board Chair Report: Ms. Reeder gave an update on the Rules Revision. The Board was emailed a copy of the rules revision. Discussion ensued. After much discussion regarding the supervision of students, Mr .Megginson moved and it was second by Ms. Leithart to delete that portion of the revisions until further discussion. Mr. Megginson moved and it was seconded by Ms. Leithart to accept the first portion of Rules Revision which included 582-X-1-.04(c), 582-X-2-.03(b), 582-X-2-.04(a)(3), 582-X-2-.06, and 582-X-2-.07. Mr. Chynoweth presented Rules Revision on 582-X-3-.04 adding sections (j), (k), and (l)
Mr. Megginson made a motion, and it was seconded by Ms. Leithart to enter Executive Session to discuss the good name and character of the applicants for licensure, with a time limitation of 10 minutes. Roll call vote: Ms. Reeder aye, Dr. Smith aye, Mr. Megginson aye, Ms. Leithart aye, Litas, aye. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. The Board entered Executive Session at 10:31 am. The Board reconvened at 10:41 am. A motion was made by Mr. Megginson and seconded by Ms. Leithart to approve LM-0037. The Board voted to approve applicant LM-0037. A motion was made by Ms. Leithart and seconded by Ms. Litas to approve LM-0038. The Board voted to approve applicant LM-0038. A motion was made by Ms. Litas and seconded by Ms. Leithart to approve LM-0039. The Board voted to approve applicant LM-0039.
Ms. Reeder congratulated Nicole Yingling, LM-0037. Ms.Yingling will serve East Alabama. She congratulated Rebekah Teel, LM-0038, who will also serve East Alabama. Ms. Reeder also welcomed Heather Felder, LM-0039, who will cover areas south of Birmingham, Alabama.
A motion was made by Ms. Leithart and seconded by Dr. Smith to grant another 24 month renewal to the following licensees: LM-0010, LM-0011, LM-0012, LM-0013, LM-0014, LM-0016, LM-0022.
With no further business to discuss and no comments from the public, Ms.Leithart made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Megginson seconded the motion. It passed unanimously. Ms. Reeder adjourned the meeting at 11:47 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon J. Porterfield
Administrative Assistant
June 13, 2025
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