RMC Designation

The Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) Designation is a national recognition program by AWHONN for hospitals and birthing centers that demonstrate a sustained commitment to respectful maternity care.

What is Designation

• National recognition for facilities practicing respectful maternity care
• Based on the RMC Framework and Evidence-Based Guideline
• Focuses on person-centered, equitable, and compassionate care
• Supported by implementation tools

What You’ll Receive

• National recognition and promotion
• Use of official AWHONN RMC Designation Seal
• Access to tools, education, and support
• Peer networking and improvement opportunities
• Commitment to dignity and equity in care

Designation Tiers

Facilities may be awarded one of three RMC Designation tiers based on demonstrated practice, impact, and outcomes:

Each designation level builds upon the one before it, and facilities pursuing a higher tier must first meet all criteria associated with the preceding levels. Designations are valid for three years, after which facilities must submit documentation demonstrating continued adherence to identified compliance metrics. While we encourage hospitals to advance to the next designation level, maintaining the current level is equally valuable and fully acceptable.

Information Session

RMC Designation Launch Party/Informational Session RMC Designation Launch Party – Informational Session
January 21, 2026  at 1:00 PM EST

Join us for the official launch of the AWHONN Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) Designation Program, a national recognition initiative honoring hospitals and birthing centers that demonstrate a sustained commitment to dignified, equitable, and person-centered maternity care. This interactive session will introduce the purpose of the RMC Designation, walk through the tiers of recognition, and highlight how facilities can apply the tools from AWHONN’s RMC Program to advance respectful care.

Participants will learn why RMC matters, how designation supports improvements in patient experience and outcomes, and what resources are available to guide organizations through the designation process. Whether you are just beginning your RMC journey or preparing to apply, this session will give you the knowledge and inspiration to take the next step.

Come celebrate the national launch of this important initiative and discover how your facility can help ensure respectful care for every patient, every interaction, every time.

Presenters:

• Sharilyn Kelly DNP, RN, NE-BC, C-ONQS, RNC-OB
• Elizabeth Polinard, Ph.D, RN
• Krista Jackson CNS, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, C-EFM, REC-C
• Tina Morris MSN, BSN, RNC-EFM
• Sarah Copple MSN, RN-MNN, C-ONQS
• Ben Scheich, MS

Designation Process and Timeline

Step 1: Registration
Register your intent to apply by submitting the designation fee by March 1, 2026.

• Bronze  
• Silver
• Gold

Step 2: Appraisal
Submit all required documentation for review by April 15, 2026.

RMC Designation Application

Step 3: Designation Advisory Board Review
The RMC Designation Advisory Board will review submitted materials to determine alignment with designation criteria and award the final tier.

Step 4: Notification of Designation
Sites will be notified of designation award by May 30, 2026 and provided with a kit to showcase their RMC Designation.

Respectful Maternity Care Designation Guide

This guide is designed to assist applicants with preparing and submitting their RMC designation application. It outlines the required information and supporting documentation needed for a complete submission. Applicants are encouraged to print or save this guide for reference and to use it as a worksheet throughout the application process.

Organizational Readiness Assessment

Not sure if your facility is ready? Complete our free RMC Readiness Assessment to:

• Evaluate current alignment with RMC principles
• Identify strengths and gaps
• Inform your designation strategy