NMDOH accepting applications for Birthing Workforce Retention Fund

The New Mexico Department of Health is accepting applications for the Birthing Workforce Retention Fund through Monday, April 22. The fund provides grants to certified nurse-midwives and physicians (OB and family medicine) who provide full scope perinatal care, including birthing services, and need assistance to cover malpractice insurance premium costs, according to a news release. Up to $10, 000 is granted per provider from the fund, administered by the NMDOH Maternal Health Program.

"This financial support to offset the cost of malpractice insurance is one way that our agency is working to address access to maternity care as a key factor toward New Mexico becoming the healthiest state in the nation by 2040," said Department of Health Secretary Patrick Allen.

To be eligible for an award, applicants must fill out the Birthing Workforce Fund application found online at nmhealth.org/publi cation/view/form/1717/and a state Substitute W-9 form.

They must also: · Be a CNM or physician licensed in New Mexico who provides birthing services.

· Show that New Mexico Medicaid-insured or indigent patients accounted for at least one-half of the births the provider attended during the previous two calendar years.

· Have a current malpractice liability insurance policy covering birthing services.

· Show intent to continue full scope practice, including birthing services, in New Mexico during the period covered by the award. · Sign an attestation (included on the application) stating that the award will not be used to purchase extended reporting period coverage for any existing malpractice insurance policy.

The grants may only be used to pay malpractice premiums, the release stated. Documentation of cost and payment is required to be submitted to the Maternal Health Program. Applications with supporting documents must be received electronically or via the U.S. Postal Service by the NMDOH Maternal Health Program office (see application for mailing address) by close of business of the due date.