Applications being accepted for Birthing Workforce Retention Fund

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is accepting applications for the Birthing Workforce Retention Fund now through Friday, April 18.

The fund provides grants to Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) and physicians (OB and Family Medicine) who provide full scope perinatal care, including birthing services, and need assistance to cover malpractice insurance premium costs.

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 just one way that our agency is working to address access to maternity care,” said Samuel Peinado, NMDOH Family Health Bureau Chief.

To be eligible for an award, applicants must fill out the Birthing Workforce Fund application found online at https://www.nmhealth.org/publication/view/form/1717/ and a state Substitute W-9 form. Applicants 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. Documentation of cost and payment is required to be submitted to the Maternal Health Program.

Applications with supporting documents must be received electronically by emailing the Maternal Health Program or via the United States Postal Service by the NMDOH Maternal Health Program office (see application for mailing address) by close of business of the due date.

Media Contact

We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Barre at (505) 699-9237 (Office) with your questions.

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Se están aceptado las solicitudes para el Fondo de Retención de la Fuerza Laboral de Nacimientos