Alabama State Board of Midwifery Meeting Minutes

The Alabama State Board of Midwifery met on December 12, 2025, to conduct business. Board members present included (1) Ms. Laura Reeder (Chair), (2) Mr. Chris Megginson (member), (3) Ms. Layla Brown (member), (4) Dr. Pam Smith (member), and (5) Dr. Noel Leithart (member). Also present were Mr. Brad Chynoweth, attorney to the Board, and Dr. Sharon Porterfield, Administrative Assistant.  Ms. Christine Litas (member) and Dr. Joyce Loyd-Davis (member) were absent.

The members of the public in attendance were Rebekah Myrick, LM, and Matt Hart (attorney for BME).

The Board meeting had been advertised on the Secretary of State’s website, in accordance with the Alabama Open Meetings Act. With a quorum of board members present, Ms. Reeder called the meeting to order at 10:01 am.

Ms. Reeder presented the September 12 and October 21, 2025, board meeting minutes. Some minor corrections were made. Dr. Leithart moved to accept the minutes as amended. It was seconded by Dr. Smith and approved unanimously by the board.

Administrative Assistant Report: Dr. Porterfield gave the quarterly report and the financial report.

Legal Counsel Report: Mr. Chynoweth, Board Attorney, gave an update on the lawsuit by the ACLU regarding the birth center rules that ADPH has attempted to implement.

Board Chair Report: Ms. Reeder reported that the new Rules were certified and went into effect October 13, 2025. Ms. Reeder next presented two renewal applications. Dr. Leithart moved to approve the renewals, and Ms. Brown seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Also, Ms. Reeder brought forward a new applicant. After confirming that the application was complete, Dr. Leithart moved to accept applicant LM-0040. Mr. Megginson seconded and a vote was taken. A unanimous vote occurred. Ms. Reeder congratulated Ms. Tiffany Martin, LM-0040, who will serve North Alabama.

Dr. Smith asked for clarification on the complaint recommendations brought forward from the complaint review committee. Mr. Chynoweth explained in detail and agreed to bring more details to future situations as long as the anonymity can be retained.

With no further business to discuss and no comments from the public, Dr. Leithart made a motion to adjourn. Dr. Smith seconded the motion. It passed unanimously. Ms. Reeder adjourned the meeting at 10:30 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Sharon Porterfield

Dr. Sharon Porterfield