Preceptor Guidelines for Verifying Documentation of Clinical Experience

In response to multiple requests for clarification about the role of the preceptor in the NARM application/certification process, NARM has developed the following step-by-step guidelines based on the instructions set forth in the Candidate Information Booklet. These guidelines are suggestions for successful completion of the application documentation.

1. The preceptor and applicant together should—
   1. review practice documents required by NARM—Practice Guidelines, Emergency Care Form, Informed Disclosure (given at initiation of care), and Informed Consent documents (used for shared decision making during care).
   2. review all client charts (or clinical verification forms from a MEAC-Accreditated/Pre-Accredited program) referenced on the NARM Application and confirm that the preceptor and applicant names appear on each chart/form that is being referenced.
   3. confirm that the signatures/initials of the applicant are on every chart/form for: initial exam, history and physical exam, complete prenatal exams, labor, birth and immediate postpartum exam, newborn exam, and complete follow-up postpartum exams listed on the NARM Application. Be sure the numbers written on the application forms are the same number of signatures/initials on the charts/forms.
   4. check all birth dates and dates of all exams for accuracy.
   5. check all codes to make sure there are no duplicate code numbers. Each client must have a unique code. If there is more than one birth, including twins, with any given client, there must be a different code assigned for each subsequent birth.
2. If a preceptor has more than one student (applicant), each chart must have a code that all students will use. Students should not develop different codes for the same client.
3. Preceptors need to be sure their forms show that the student participated as Primary Under Supervision and that the preceptor was present in the room for all items the preceptor signs. For example, the arrival and departure times at the birth should be documented on the chart for both the applicant and the preceptor. At the time of clinical experience, preceptors and students should initial each visit.
4. Applicants must have access to or copies of any charts (with Code #) listed in the application in case of audit.

The Informed Disclosure/Consent documents used by the student should not indicate they are a CPM, even if they are in the application process. The CPM designation may not be used until the certificate has been awarded. Preceptors who sign off on experiences they did not witness risk losing their ability to sign as a preceptor in the future and also risk losing their NARM certification.