Glossary of Terms Used in the Accountability Policy
Accountability Administrator: The program receives complaints against a CPM or CPM candidate, implements the Accountability Case Review Policy and Process, and coordinates with the Executive Director to align policy across NARM programs. The Program participates in data collection pertaining to complaints and case reviews for the purpose of quality improvement.
Accountability Case Coordinator: Accountability Program (AP) staff. A member of the Accountability Review Committee (ARC). Responsible for implementation of the Accountability Case Review Process, training staff and volunteers in Case Review Process, alignment of policy across programs at NARM. Directs the assignment of volunteer Case Reviewers
Accountability Program: Two staff members. An Accountability Case Coordinator and Accountability Administrator. The program receives complaints against a CPM or CPM applicant (Respondent), implements the Accountability Case Review Policy and Process, coordinates with the Executive Director to align policy across NARM programs. Participates in data collection pertaining to complaints and case reviews for the purpose of quality improvement.
Accountability Review Committee(ARC): Accountability Case Coordinator, and Accountability Administrator, and three (3) volunteer Case Reviewers. Responsible for reviewing charts and other documentation pertaining to a complaint filed with the Accountability Program (AP) against a CPM (Respondent), conducting interviews with the Respondent and other individuals with direct knowledge of the case, and making determinations regarding violations of midwifery standards and issuing sanctions when indicated.
Accountability Reviewer Pool (ARP): A pool of volunteer CPMs trained as case reviewers whose role is to participate on the Accountability Review Committee in response to complaints filed against a midwife holding the CPM credential (the Respondent).
Appeal: A formal request to reverse a previous decision regarding a specific case made by a Respondent to the Accountability Program. Requires Respondent to provide additional material facts that were not available at time of initial case review, or evidence that NARM ARC did not follow AP policy and procedure during the course of initial review.
Case Review: The process engaging the Accountability Review Committee (ARC) in the review of a complaint filed against a CPM (Respondent), all records pertaining to the event in question, and interview of the Respondent for the purpose of determining if violations of midwifery standards occurred.
Confidentiality: When applied to the Accountability Case Review, implies that all information, including but not limited to, details of the complaint, identity of the complainant, client or others directly involved in the case, or factual information found in records that is disclosed in the Case Review process will not be shared by anyone who participates in the Case Review. Any discussions surrounding the complaint and Case Review will be conducted only during formal and secure Accountability Review Committee (ARC) meetings. In the event of a revocation, a public notice of revocation will be posted on the NARM Accountability Program website. Details of the case will not be disclosed. In the event a subpoena is issued to NARM for documents pertaining to a Case Review, these documents are not protected under NARM Accountability Program confidentiality agreements
Complainant: An individual who files a formal complaint with NARM Accountability Program (AP) regarding the conduct of a CPM. As per Accountability Policy a complainant may be a client, state licensing board or regulatory body, a state QA program or an individual or entity with direct knowledge of relevant facts and circumstances sufficient enough to warrant a complaint
Complaint: A formal complaint filed against a CPM alleging misconduct as outlined in the AP Policy. Complaints must be formally filed with the Accountability Program using the standard complaint form available on the NARM website or by request in paper format.
Entity: A facility or organization including a hospital, medical office, emergency response facility, or insurer.
Individual or entity with direct knowledge: providers who directly witness the conduct in question or who had direct contact with the client in a manner that raised concern for the conduct of a CPM; or an individual in attendance when the conduct occurred such as a friend, interpreter or other.
Revocation: Immediate and permanent removal of the CPM credential. A midwife will no longer be allowed to identify as a Certified Professional Midwife in any capacity. Revocation notices will be made public on NARM Accountability website. When applicable, states utilizing the CPM credential for regulatory purposes will be notified of the revocation.
Secure portal: NARM will maintain an encrypted portal for the submission of documents pertaining to complaints and the case review process. Access will be granted to Accountability Review Committee (ARC) members and Accountability Program staff when participating in a case review.
Respondent: A CPM who has had a complaint filed against them and is now in the process of investigation by NARM Accountability Program (AP).
Suspension: temporary suspension of the CPM credential for a determined period of time, and whose
reinstatement is contingent upon completion of prescribed remediation efforts.
Unprofessional Conduct: Actions or omissions that compromise client safety, quality of care or professional integrity. Examples include: failure to collaborate with other health professionals when client safety/well-being may be compromised; misrepresentation of a drug, procedure, substance, device, supplement in a manner inconsistent with widely accepted standards; falsification of vaccination or other health records.