First of all, doulas and childbirth educators do not need to be licensed by the state. Nurses, hairdressers, real estate agents, and so on do have a regulation over them and it is required by law that they go through the process of becoming licensed prior to practicing. There is such a thing as elective licensure, as with the midwives in Oregon. They can practice legally without a license, however if they choose to become licensed, they can bill the Oregon health plan for some of their services, and it gives them a measure of credibility amongst their clients and peers. Doulas/CBEs have only a certification process, which of course is not required. All certification says is that they have completed the requirements set forth by the organization they chose to certify with, and are accountable to them. It tells the client that this person has been educated on the basic level of that organization and could loose certification if they stray from the standards of practice/code of ethics. The consumer can see the standards of practice/code of ethics on the website and can be assured that this person will at least uphold those ideals. Many lay doulas have been practicing for many years and don't feel it is necessary for certification because they get enough word of mouth referrals. Others don't want to be accountable to any organization and would rather keep their autonomy. These doulas are fine, but will have a harder time convincing the medical community of their credibility if they want referrals from them - although sometimes their reputation is enough to get referrals from docs. **********************************************************
information that they can then go and make money with the knowledge that you gave them, you are considered a vocational school. There are very specific and strict laws governing vocational schools, ensuring that quality information is being given, with proper grievance and refund policies in place to protect the consumer. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. Romans 13:1 ********************************************************** As far as a Cascade goes, the license we need is one that satisfies the state that we have a legitimate school so the consumer has recourse if there is any problem. It has nothing to do with a doula practicing, but has to do with the fact that anyone who teaches anybody else information that they can then go and make money with constitutes the existence of a vocational school. This includes "approved doula/cbe trainers teaching practical doula/cbe skills." However, instructing someone in religious material is exempt. This is why we can teach about religious things about birth, but can only test on the practical aspects of CBE/Doula. NOTE: To be a certifying body does not require a license as a vocational school. An organization can create necessary steps to complete that will satisfy the organization that the applicant has the skills needed to perform the job. A certifying body is not a school in and of itself, it is there to ensure someone has the proper knowledge, experience, and skill. We are all aware of the various doula and cbe organizations out there that are certifying, and doing so legally. It is when they are teaching the skills that the issue becomes a problem in most states, because to teach a skill means you are a vocational school and therefore need to be licensed.
school. Many trainings are done privately, and although the are quite good, they do not meet the legal standards of our state. To help you identify the legal status in your area, we have provided links to each state's governing documents. Please be patient as we collect this information. |
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| Licensure |
Cascade Christian Childbirth Association
| State Requirements for Licensure Under construction |