Midwifery Education Accreditation Council MEAC

Overview

The Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) is a non-profit organization based in the United States dedicated to promoting excellence in midwifery education through accreditation. Established in 1991 by the National Coalition of Midwifery Educators, MEAC accredits midwifery education programs that prepare students to become Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). The council's standards are developed by midwifery educators to ensure that educational programs meet rigorous quality criteria and align with national certification requirements set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).

History and Legal Framework

MEAC was founded in 1991 to address the need for standardized accreditation in midwifery education. As a voluntary, non-profit organization, MEAC operates independently to establish and uphold accreditation standards for midwifery programs. Its legal framework is grounded in its status as a 501(c)(3) organization, allowing it to function as a membership-based entity that accredits institutions and programs offering midwifery education. MEAC's accreditation criteria reflect the unique components and philosophy of the Midwives Model of Care, emphasizing personalized, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive care.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

MEAC's mission is to promote excellence in midwifery education through accreditation. The council aims to:

• Develop and maintain rigorous standards for midwifery education programs.
• Ensure that accredited programs prepare students to meet the core competencies required for national certification by NARM.
• Support the advancement of midwifery education through research and collaboration with educational institutions.
• Promote accountability and continuous improvement within accredited programs.

Through these objectives, MEAC seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of midwifery education, contributing to the development of competent and compassionate midwives who can provide high-quality care to diverse populations.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

MEAC is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for overseeing the accreditation process and ensuring the council's adherence to its mission and standards. The board includes practitioners, educators, and public members, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives in decision-making. MEAC operates as an independent entity, maintaining autonomy in its accreditation decisions and processes. Its structure is designed to facilitate transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on continuous improvement and responsiveness to the evolving needs of midwifery education.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role

MEAC plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of midwifery education in the United States. Its accreditation process involves:

• Evaluating programs against established standards that reflect best practices in midwifery education.
• Conducting site visits and reviews to assess program compliance with accreditation criteria.
• Providing feedback and recommendations for program improvement.
• Monitoring accredited programs to ensure ongoing adherence to standards.

By maintaining rigorous accreditation standards, MEAC helps ensure that midwifery education programs produce graduates who are well-prepared to meet the demands of the profession and provide high-quality care to families.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

MEAC collaborates with international organizations to align its accreditation standards with global best practices in midwifery education. Notably, MEAC's standards are informed by the core competencies and guiding principles set by the Midwives Alliance of North America and fulfill the requirements for national certification by NARM. While MEAC primarily accredits programs within the United States, its alignment with international standards supports the global mobility of midwifery professionals and enhances the recognition of U.S.-trained midwives abroad.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

MEAC's impact on higher education is significant, particularly in the field of midwifery. By accrediting midwifery education programs, MEAC:

• Ensures that programs meet high standards of quality and relevance.
• Facilitates the professional development of midwifery educators.
• Enhances the credibility and recognition of midwifery education in the United States.
• Contributes to the development of a competent and diverse midwifery workforce.

Looking forward, MEAC continues to adapt its standards and processes to address emerging trends and challenges in midwifery education, ensuring that accredited programs remain responsive to the needs of students, educators, and the communities they serve.

Summary

The Midwifery Education Accreditation Council plays a vital role in promoting excellence in midwifery education through its accreditation processes. By establishing and maintaining rigorous standards, MEAC ensures that midwifery education programs prepare students to meet the core competencies required for national certification and to provide high-quality care to families. Through its governance, structure, and commitment to continuous improvement, MEAC contributes to the advancement of the midwifery profession and the enhancement of maternal and newborn health outcomes.

FAQs

• What is the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council?
  MEAC is a non-profit organization that accredits midwifery education programs in the United States, ensuring they meet rigorous standards of quality.
• When was MEAC established?
  MEAC was founded in 1991 by the National Coalition of Midwifery Educators to address the need for standardized accreditation in midwifery education.
• What is the mission of MEAC?
  MEAC's mission is to promote excellence in midwifery education through accreditation, developing standards and criteria for the education of midwives.
• How does MEAC ensure the quality of midwifery education?
  MEAC evaluates programs against established standards, conducts site visits, provides feedback for improvement, and monitors ongoing compliance with accreditation criteria.
• Does MEAC collaborate with international organizations?
  Yes, MEAC aligns its standards with global best practices in midwifery education, informed by organizations such as the International Confederation of Midwives.

Organization Name

Midwifery Education Accreditation Council

Acronym

MEAC

Year of Establishment

1/01/1991

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

12

Address

850 Mt. Pleasant Avenue
Ann Arbor
48103 Michigan United States

Phone

+1 (360) 466-2080

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Midwifery Education Accreditation Council's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Midwifery Education Accreditation Council's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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