SECTION 115.13. Initial Application for Licensure

(a) Initial licensure. An individual may apply for licensure as a midwife at any time during the year by submitting the following to the department:

(1) a completed application;

(2) proof of successful completion of a continuing education course covering the current Texas Midwifery Basic Information and Instructor Manual;

(3) proof of one of the following:

(A) Certified Professional Midwife certification by NARM; or

(B) successful completion and passing of:

(i) a basic midwifery education course; and

(ii) the NARM exam or any other comprehensive exam approved by the department;

(4) proof of current CPR certification;

(5) proof of current certification in neonatal resuscitation, §§1 - 4, from the American Academy of Pediatrics or an equivalent certification approved by the department;

(6) proof of one of the following:

(A) satisfactory completion of training in the collection of newborn screening specimens; or

(B) an established relationship with another qualified and appropriately credentialed health care provider who has agreed to collect newborn screening specimens on behalf of the applicant;

(7) the fee required under §115.80; and

(8) proof of passing the jurisprudence examination approved by the department within one year prior to the date of application.

(b) Initial licensure after interim of more than four years. An application for initial licensure submitted more than four years after the applicant's completion of a basic midwifery education course must also include proof of completion of at least 40 hours of continuing education within the year preceding the application, which must include a review of:

(1) the current Texas Midwifery Basic Information and Instructor Manual; and

(2) the current MANA Core Competencies and Standards of Practice.

(c) The applicant must successfully pass a criminal history background check.

(d) Pursuant to Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 51 and 203, the commission or the executive director may deny the application for violation of the Act.

(e) If after review the department determines that the application should not be approved, the department shall give the applicant written notice of the reason for the proposed decision and of the opportunity for a hearing under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001.

(f) An initial midwife license is valid from the date of issuance until March 1 of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which it is issued.

Source Note: The provisions of this §115.13 adopted to be effective October 1, 2016, 41 TexReg 4477; amended to be effective September 1, 2023, 48 TexReg 4660