Santa Fe Standard

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has announced that applications are now open for the Birthing Workforce Retention Fund. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) and physicians specializing in OB and Family Medicine who offer comprehensive perinatal care, including birthing services, and require support to cover malpractice insurance premium costs.

Department of Health Secretary, Patrick Allen, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "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."

Under this fund, eligible providers can receive grants of up to $10,000 each to help with malpractice insurance expenses. The fund is administered by the NMDOH Maternal Health Program. To apply for an award, applicants must complete the Birthing Workforce Fund application available online and submit a state Substitute W-9 form. It is crucial that the grants are solely used for paying malpractice premiums, and documentation of costs and payments must be provided to the Maternal Health Program.

Applications with all necessary supporting documents must be submitted electronically or via the United States Postal Service to the NMDOH Maternal Health Program office by the specified deadline.

For further inquiries or information regarding the application process, individuals are encouraged to contact David Morgan at 575-528-5197 (Office) or 575-649-0754 (Mobile).

In a concerted effort to enhance accessibility, the Department of Health has also made available a Spanish version of the press release for wider outreach.