Yes, home births are legal in Vermont, provided they comply with state midwifery statutes and health department protocols. The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) recognizes licensed certified professional midwives (CPMs) and certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) as primary providers for out-of-hospital deliveries. Recent 2026 amendments to Vermont’s midwifery regulations expanded CPM licensure pathways, aligning with the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) core competencies. Parents must ensure their provider holds an active Vermont license and adheres to VDH reporting requirements for birth certificates and neonatal screenings.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Vermont
- Licensure Mandate: Only CPMs or CNMs licensed by the Vermont Board of Midwifery may attend home births. Unlicensed attendants risk civil penalties under 26 V.S.A. § 2351.
- Emergency Transfer Protocols: Providers must have a prearranged transfer agreement with a hospital or birth center, as outlined in VDH’s 2025 Out-of-Hospital Birth Guidelines. Delays exceeding 30 minutes without justification may trigger compliance reviews.
- Mandatory Reporting: CPMs must file birth certificates within 5 days and submit neonatal screening results to the VDH Laboratory within 72 hours per 18 V.S.A. § 1205. Failure to comply voids legal protections for the birth.