Starting on 1/1/2023, Medi-Cal covers full spectrum doula care, as preventive services. Doula services are aimed at preventing perinatal complications and improving health outcomes for birthing parents and infants. Doulas serving Medi-Cal beneficiaries provide person-centered, culturally competent care that supports the racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity of beneficiaries while adhering to evidence-based best practices.
Read the DCHS FAQ Sheet Here: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Documents/Doula-FAQ-Sheet.pdf
Doula minimum qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years old
Possess an adult and infant CPR certification
Have completed basic HIPAA training
Meet one of the below qualification pathways
Have a National Provider Identifier (NPI)
TRAINING PATHWAY EXPERIENCE PATHWAY
Complete a minimum of 16 hours (total) of training in the following areas:
Lactation support
Childbirth education
Foundations on anatomy of pregnancy and childbirth
Nonmedical comfort measures, prenatal support, and labor support techniques Developing a community resource list
Provide support at a minimum of three births
EXPERIENCE PATHWAY
At least 5 years of active doula experience in either a paid or volunteer capacity within the previous seven years.
Attestation to skills in prenatal, labor, and postpartum care as demonstrated by 3 letters of recommendation.
One letter must be from a licensed provider, a community-based organization, or an enrolled doula.
The last two letters can be written client testimonial letters and/or professional letters of recommendation from a physician, licensed behavioral health provider, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, licensed midwife, enrolled doula, or community-based organization. All letters must be written within the last seven years.