SENATOR COLLINS RECEIVES PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD FROM MAINE NURSE MIDWIVES

U.S. Senator Susan Collins today met with a group of certified nurse midwives from Maine, who presented her with the Public Service Award on behalf of the American College of Nurse Midwives. Senator Collins received the award in recognition of her efforts to address the health care needs of women, and for her leadership on legislation to provide more equitable reimbursement for women's health services provided by certified nurse midwives under Medicare. This legislation, which will increase the rate of Medicare reimbursement for nurse midwives to 100 percent of the physician amount, was included in the health care reform signed into law by the President.

"Certified nurse midwives play increasingly important roles in the delivery of health care services, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas of our country. Our legislation will help ensure that certified nurse midwives receive equitable reimbursement for the high quality care that they provide," said Senator Collins.