Which states have reciprocity?
Source: Statute Analysis
License reciprocity for Licensed Midwives (LMs) is essential to supporting workforce mobility, ensuring continuity of care, and strengthening access to midwifery services across state lines. Without reciprocity, qualified midwives who are licensed and in good standing in one state must often undergo duplicative education, testing, or costly re-licensure processes to practice in another—despite holding the same national credential and demonstrating equivalent competencies. This not only creates unnecessary barriers for midwives, but also limits access to care in underserved areas and undermines emergency response flexibility, especially during public health crises or natural disasters. Establishing pathways for licensure reciprocity recognizes the legitimacy of midwifery as a profession, honors the shared national standards that guide practice, and creates a more resilient, responsive healthcare system that allows midwives to serve where they are most needed.