Responsibilities and Procedures
I. Research Committee Responsibilities
A. This committee will develop and periodically review the policy for submission of research proposals requesting access to AMCB data.
B. The committee, in conjunction with a psychometrician, will conduct a task analysis study of newly certified CNMs/CMs (i.e., the Task Analysis of Midwifery Practice) to ensure that the content outline and test specifications for the national certification examination reflect current midwifery practice. A new Task Analysis should be completed within 5 years of the publication of the prior Task Analysis.
C. The committee will conduct internal research relevant to the mission of the corporation.
D. The Chair of this committee is responsible for:
1. recommending committee members for appointment by the Board of Directors
2. assuring the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement are signed by all attendees at every face-to-face meeting
3. delivering a short written report for each AMCB Board of Directors meeting and the President as requested.
II. Task Analysis
A. The committee will identify tasks performed by newly certified CNMs/CMs (Task Analysis) for the purpose of validating content included in the national certification examination; considering any relevant policy, position, or clinical practice statement used by ACNM and other relevant professional organizations since the previous task analysis. Performance of the Task Analysis will reflect current accreditation guidelines.
III. Internal Research
A. Research committee will prepare a list of potential research projects for board consideration.
B. Research committee will submit a list of ongoing research, including the frequency with which it is to be conducted, if applicable.
C. Research committee will prepare annual report for BOD approval summarizing previous year’s research and projecting efforts, with priorities, for the next year.
D. When an AMCB committee identifies a research project, that committee Chair will contact the Research Committee Chair to discuss the project. The idea will be evaluated by the Research Committee, and, if appropriate, will be added to the potential research project list. The Research Committee Chair will be responsible for submission to the BOD for approval.
IV. External Research
A. Research proposals must relate to the mission of the AMCB: to protect and serve the public by leading the certification standards in midwifery. Topics that may be considered include: research to better understand the factors that affect safety, equitability, and quality of midwifery practice; population-level research focusing on midwifery practice characteristics and outcomes; how the act of leading certification standards in midwifery protects and/or serves the public; and research identifying and validating certification standards in midwifery.
B. AMCB must be acknowledged in all project reports, publications, and other dissemination efforts.
C. Final project reports and/or publications must be provided to AMCB upon project completion.
D. AMCB will not release any e-mail addresses, labels, or distribution lists to investigators. All approved study materials must be distributed by AMCB staff. Distribution fees may be assessed.
E. Study materials will only be distributed to certificants who have granted permission to be contacted for this purpose.
F. Although AMCB strives to review applications and distribute materials in a timely manner, we reserve the right to delay review and/or distribution and to decline proposals for any reason.
G. Student research proposals:
1. Must include a cover letter from the sponsoring faculty who serves as co-investigator.
2. Will not receive final approval until evidence of acceptance by the appropriate university committee(s).
H. Initial Inquiry Process
1. A letter of inquiry to the Research Committee Chairperson briefly explaining the purpose and timeline of the project, how it relates to the AMCB mission, and the nature of the data requested is submitted to the Manager, Data and Research.
2. A response to the letter of inquiry will be provided to the applicant after review by the Research Committee.
I. Final Approval Process
1. Upon acceptance of letter of inquiry, the following must be provided to Manager, Data and Research:
a. A project summary of less than 5 pages including:
i. Project name
ii. Name and credentials of all co-investigators
iii. Introduction, rationale, and significance of project
iv. Project objectives/aims
v. Methodology
vi. Copy of all materials for distribution (e.g. advertisements, distribution cover letter, instruments/surveys, etc.)
b. Curriculum vitae of the investigator/project director and co-investigators/committee members.
c. Any additional information as requested. This may include evidence of IRB approval if appropriate for the project.
2. Final project requests are reviewed by the Research Committee and, if approved by the Committee, are submitted to the Executive Committee for approval.
3. Applicant will receive final notification of project approval from the Manager, Data & Research usually within 8 weeks of the submission of final materials.
4. Upon receipt of final approval, investigators will contact Manger, Data and Research to arrange for distribution of materials.
J. Fees
1. Fees may apply. Investigator will be notified of fees assessed during the final approval process.
Qualifications and Appointment
All committee appointments are made by the AMCB BOD on recommendation of the respective committee chairperson. Committee appointments are for a three-year term beginning January 1 the year of appointment, and are renewable for one second term for a maximum of six years on any one committee.
Qualifications for CNMs/CMs to serve on AMCB's committees include the following:
To be considered for a position on an AMCB committee, you must submit:
- Curriculum Vita or Resume;
- 2 References;
- Consent to Serve;
- Confidentiality Affidavit;
- and Conflict of Interest
Please submit all materials to the AMCB by e-mail by August 1. We will send your application to the appropriate committee chairperson who will communicate directly with you. The committee chairperson recommends committee appointments to the BOD for approval according to the specific needs of the committee.