Alabama § 34-19-15 - Licensure Requirements; Duration; Grounds for Suspension, Revocation, Etc., of License; Recordkeeping.

§ 34-19-15. Licensure Requirements; Duration; Grounds for Suspension, Revocation, Etc., of License; Recordkeeping.

(a) An individual desiring to be licensed as a midwife shall apply to the board on forms provided by the board. Applicants for licensure shall submit evidence satisfactory to the board that he or she has met all of the following requirements:

(1) Is at least 21 years of age.

(2) Is a citizen of the United States or, if not a citizen of the United States, is legally present in the United States with appropriate documentation from the federal government.

(3) Has obtained a certified professional midwife credential through an education program or pathway accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council or by another accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (3) of subsection (a), the board may license the following:

(1) An applicant who has obtained a certified professional midwife credential prior to January 1, 2020, through a nonaccredited pathway, provided the applicant obtains the Midwifery Bridge Certificate or completes an educational program or pathway accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council or by another accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

(2) An applicant who has maintained licensure in a state that does not require an accredited education, provided the applicant obtains the Midwifery Bridge Certificate or completes an educational program or pathway accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council or by another accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

(c) Licenses shall be valid for a period of 24 months.

(d) Following the contested case provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, the board may suspend or revoke a license, or it may refuse to grant a license to an applicant for licensure, if the licensee or applicant:

(1) Has obtained a license by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts, including making a false statement on an application or any other document required by the board for licensure.

(2) Has engaged in unprofessional conduct pursuant to rules adopted by the board.

(3) Has been convicted of any felony.

(4) Has performed an act that exceeds the scope of practice granted by the board to the licensed midwife.

(5) Has had his or her license revoked, suspended, or denied in any other territory or jurisdiction of the United States for any act described in this subsection.

(e) The board shall maintain an up-to-date list of every individual licensed to practice midwifery pursuant to this chapter and individuals whose licenses have been suspended, revoked, or denied. The information on the list shall be available for public inspection during reasonable business hours and the information may be shared with others as deemed necessary and acceptable by the board. The list shall include the name of the individual, the date and the cause of action, the penalty incurred, and the length of the penalty.